The buzz around Opening Day centered on Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher Paul Skenes, who faced a rocky start against the New York Mets. Known for his prowess on the mound, Skenes struggled with his control and was pulled from the game in the first inning. It was an unexpected turn for one of the sport's top pitchers.
The Pirates' defense didn't do Skenes any favors either. Outfielder Oneil Cruz had a particularly tough time in the first inning, making two critical misjudgments that, while not officially errors, proved costly.
With the bases loaded, Cruz misread a ball's trajectory, charging in when he should have held back. The ball soared over his head, allowing three runs to score as Brett Baty secured a triple.
Moments later, Marcus Semien hit a pop-up that Cruz lost in the sun, leading to another run. Though the ball never touched Cruz's glove, Semien's hustle earned him a double.
Skenes exited after allowing five runs, a decision that didn’t sit well with Pittsburgh native and ESPN host Pat McAfee. Known for his passion for the Pirates, McAfee expressed his displeasure over Skenes' early departure, sporting a "Baseball isn't boring" shirt that seemed to capture the day's chaotic energy.
PAUL SKENES GOT PULLED IN THE FIRST INNING
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2026
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON #PMSLive https://t.co/baIKimj2S3 pic.twitter.com/n3VUk7PCnH
As it stands, the Mets are leading the Pirates 9-5 in what has turned into a high-scoring affair. Despite the deficit, the Pirates have shown some fight, with three home runs, including two from Brandon Lowe, adding a glimmer of hope. With the game still in the fifth inning, there's ample opportunity for a comeback.