Paul Skenes has quickly become a name to watch in Major League Baseball, and for good reason. In just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he's already made a significant impact, earning two All-Star selections and a Cy Young Award. With his impressive arsenal of seven pitches, Skenes combines power, command, and control in a way that makes him a formidable force on the mound.
"You've gotta look at it for what it is, there wasn't a ton of hard contact...the batting average on balls in play thing was super high today, that'll go down as the season goes on"
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 26, 2026
- Paul Skenes on his start today against the Mets pic.twitter.com/pw1rjy9f6q
Expectations were high as Skenes took the mound on Opening Day at Citi Field against the New York Mets. With Freddy Peralta making his debut for the Mets, fans anticipated a classic pitcher’s duel. However, the game took a different turn.
The Pirates jumped to an early lead thanks to newcomer Brandon Lowe's two-run homer in the first inning. It seemed like Skenes might have the cushion he needed, but the Mets had other plans.
In a surprising twist, they rallied for five runs in the bottom of the first, chasing Skenes from the game after just two outs. His line read 4 hits, 5 earned runs, and 2 walks.
Skenes struggled with his curveball, which lacked its usual sharp break. But the real story was the defensive missteps in centerfield.
Oneil Cruz misjudged a flyball from Brett Baty, turning it into a bases-loaded triple. Moments later, Cruz lost sight of a pop fly from Marcus Semien, allowing more runs to score.
Despite the chaos, none of these plays were ruled as errors, leaving Skenes to shoulder the statistical burden.
Reflecting on the outing, Skenes remained composed. “You’ve gotta look at it for what it is, there wasn’t a ton of hard contact,” he noted. “The batting average on balls in play thing was super high today, that'll go down as the season goes on.”
While it wasn't the start Skenes or the Pirates envisioned, the season is long, and his talent is undeniable. With his skills and mindset, Skenes is poised to bounce back and continue his ascent in the league. Keep an eye on him-there's plenty more to come.