Alec Burleson, Cardinals Continue to be Paul Skenes' Kryptonite

In six innings, Skenes allowed two earned runs on three hits, while striking out six and walking four. Last month, the Cardinals scored five runs off Skenes in six innings to hand the 22-year-old his first loss of his sophomore campaign.  

Since making his MLB debut on May 11, 2024, Skenes is 14-7 in 31 career starts. Surprisingly, four of those losses have come against St. Louis, failing to record a win against the Cardinals in five career starts. 

Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson was 1-3 against Skenes Tuesday night, including his first extra-base hit. The 26-year-old is a career six-for-15 (.400) with four RBI when facing Skenes, with the most hits off him than any other major leaguer. 

So what is the secret to Burleson's success against him? 

"There is no secret. It takes a little bit of luck I feel like," he told reporters after the game. "With a guy like him, you have to have a plan and stick to it for three-four at bats." Nolan Arenado also seems to have the Skenes' number. He is five-for-14 (.357) career against the former LSU product, with a home run and two RBI. 

Liberatore stymied Pirates hitters across seven innings, allowing only one earned run on three hits, while striking out eight. He is now 3-3 in seven starts this season with a 3.07 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.33, which ranks third in the NL among qualified starters.