Orioles Clinch Thrilling 2-1 Victory! Skenes Hits Milestone in Loss.

BALTIMORE (AP) – In a nail-biting, 10-inning showdown, the Baltimore Orioles edged out the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 2-1 victory Wednesday night. While the Orioles celebrated a hard-fought win, the game also saw Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes achieve a significant milestone.

Paul Skenes, the Pirates' standout pitcher, delivered a stellar performance, striking out eight batters in five innings and allowing only two hits. This impressive showing pushed him past the 200-strikeout mark for the season, a remarkable feat achieved in just 178 innings. However, his efforts weren't enough to secure a win for Pittsburgh, as he left the game after a season-low 64 pitches.

Skenes' ERA stands at an impressive 1.92 over 178 innings in his first full season. He could potentially make three more starts this season, further solidifying his position as a top pitcher. He reached 203 strikeouts, fanning Samuel Basallo looking and Dylan Carlson swinging to end the fifth.

The Orioles, however, weren't ready to concede. Rookie Dylan Beavers played hero, delivering a walk-off single off Kyle Nicolas (1-1) to secure the win – his first ever walk-off hit. Earlier in the eighth inning, Jackson Holliday evened the score with a single off Isaac Mattson.

Spencer Horwitz provided the Pirates' sole run with a solo home run. Tyler Wells, making his second start for Baltimore after recovering from arm surgery, pitched impressively for 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one hit.

Three Baltimore relievers held the Pirates at bay before Albert Suárez (2-0) closed out the game with a clean 10th inning, despite a wild pitch that allowed Oneil Cruz to reach third.

Skenes joins Óliver Pérez (2004) as only the second Pirates pitcher in the Modern Era (since 1901) to reach 200 strikeouts in 180 or fewer innings.

Looking ahead, Pittsburgh's Johan Oviedo (2-0) is scheduled to start Thursday against Cade Povich (3-7, 5.16).