In an impressive performance on his 22nd birthday, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right-hander Paul Skenes delivered a dominating performance against the Detroit Tigers, leading his team to a resounding 10-2 victory in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader at Comerica Park.

Skenes showcased his command of the fastball and splitter, with the offspeed pitch accounting for six of his nine strikeouts. The young pitcher threw six strong innings, allowing only two runs during the game. The Tigers managed to score a run in the second inning on a sacrifice fly, but Skenes remained in control. Detroit's hot-hitting Matt Vierling did connect for a solo homer in the sixth, but it was too little too late for the Tigers.

With a total of 96 pitches, Skenes recorded his second Major League Baseball victory in his fourth start. This performance was just two strikeouts shy of his career-high, an impressive 11-strikeout game against the Cubs on May 17th. In that game, Skenes didn't allow a hit over six innings, earning his first win.

Skenes' splitter was the key to his success, as he struck out the side during the fourth inning, getting Mark Canha, Colt Keith, and Akil Baddoo swinging on third strikes against his deceptive splitter. This pitch, known as the splinker due to its combination of sinking action and split-finger grip, proved to be a formidable weapon against the Tigers' batters.

The young pitcher expressed his excitement about teaming up with catcher Grant Koch, whom he described as the complete package behind the plate. Skenes and Koch had developed a strong rapport during their time playing together in Triple-A Indianapolis as well as during Spring Training. Their chemistry was on display during the game, with Koch catching Skenes' pitches flawlessly.

Koch, who made his first MLB start in the second game of the doubleheader, proved to be a valuable asset for the Pirates. Having caught Skenes in a previous Minor League game, Koch's familiarity with the pitcher's style and preferences helped enhance their on-field communication.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton emphasized the importance of having Koch in the lineup, especially with backup catcher Joey Bart dealing with a thumb injury that may lead to him being placed on the injured list. Koch's presence provided stability and comfort for the team.

In Game 2, Koch not only walked and scored a run but also demonstrated his versatility by pinch-hitting earlier in the day during Game 1 of the doubleheader. All these factors contributed to the success of the pitcher-catcher duo and the overall team performance.

Reflecting on their successful partnership, Koch expressed his confidence in Skenes and credited their constant communication and shared experiences for their on-field chemistry.

Skenes spoke highly of Koch and expressed his gratitude for having him behind the plate. The young pitcher emphasized Koch's skills as a catcher and praised his contributions to their joint success.

As the Pirates celebrate their victory, Skenes' stellar performance on his birthday, supported by the strong connection with catcher Grant Koch, stands as a testament to the potential and promise of this exciting rookie pitcher.