The big challenge came for Paul Skenes. On his shoulders he carried the responsibility of controlling the Dominican Republic in one of the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. While it is true that he was hit for a home run, he was able to keep the Dominican sluggers at bay.
It was not an easy scenario. In front of him were Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Junior Caminero. Those names would make any pitcher nervous, but the Pirates pitcher knew how to handle the pressure and not be intimidated by that lineup.
One of his fans was Roman Anthony, a Boston pitcher. The Red Sox's wonder boy followed his performance on the mound and dedicated a few words on social networks to recognize his work with the arm.
Good job, Paul
Skenes and the advice of Tarik Skubal
In addition to being surrounded by his teammates in the dugout, the young Pirates pitcher was advised from a distance by Skubal. The Tigers pitcher was honest in telling him that he was going to face the best hitters in the tournament, so he suggested that he focus on one thing: pitching. He told him not to think about anything, except his execution.
Tarik Skubal told me, 'That's the best lineup you're going to face.' And honestly, yeah... go out and execute: that's all you can do, all you can focus on
Paul Skenes gives in to Junior Caminero's home run
In addition to aiming for the final of the World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Republic wanted to break and set records, and it did so. Against the United States, and despite losing 2-1, Caminero's home run helped the Dominicans set a new tournament record of 15 home runs. They surpassed Mexico's 12 in 2009.
Despite being the pitcher connected, Skenes acknowledged his opponent and the hit he delivered to achieve a historic milestone.
It's one of the best at-bats I've ever seen in my life