Three hits, 5.1 innings pitched, seven strikeouts, with only two runs given up. For most pitchers, this statline would be like the holy grail, but for Paul Skenes, it just blends with most of his superhuman pitching outings.
Paul Skenes was called up back in May of 2024, debuting in Pittsburgh with the city—literally—on his back. The 22-year-old stepped into the big leagues with high expectations, taking the mound for the Pirates with Pittsburgh’s baseball legacy riding on his shoulders.
Skenes finished his rookie season with an outstanding 1.96 ERA, becoming the youngest Pirates pitcher to open the season since 1893 today against the Marlins. He also claimed the NL Rookie of the Year award and earned an All-Star spot in his debut year—a remarkable feat for any pitcher-not just a 21 year old rookie.
Skenes’ attitude should give some optimism for longtime Pirate fans.
"There’s something about this city,” Skenes said. “We saw it last summer, we’ve seen it in the videos of the Wild Card Game. The bar needs to be set pretty high.”
Even beyond Skenes, the Pirates’ pitching staff remains formidable. Jared Jones, another young talent, is expected to begin his recovery in 4-6 weeks after an injury, but he impressed with a 2.25 ERA during spring training this year.
Mitch Keller, the Pirates’ other ace, is slated to take the mound tonight, March 28, against the Marlins, entering the game with a solid 2.40 ERA from spring training.
After Skenes left his ‘kitchen’ up 4-1, the Marlins took advantage of #30 being off the mound. Putting up four runs down the stretch, notching the Pirates’ first loss of their 2025 season.
The Pirates hitting did put up a solid four run performance. Bryan Reynolds played a key role, driving in two runs in the 5th inning after the team found themselves down 1-0 early. Even Nick Gonzales got in on the action, with a two-run homer in the top of the 6th inning,putting the Pirates ahead for a moment. The Pirates begin their season at 0-1, setting their sights on the 161 games ahead.
It all went wrong whenever Dennis Santana took the mound for Pittsburgh and gave up two runs in 0.1 innings. Along with David Bednar and Colin Holderman, two veterans for Pittsburgh, letting up three runs in the 9th and 10th innings.
Bednar recorded the loss for the Bucs, while Marlins pitcher Jesus Tinoco, bagged the win for Miami.
Even after losing today, Paul Skenes and the 2025 Pirates can't wait to turn their losing outing today into what Pirates hopefuls call, “Buctober”- a nickname for the Pirates’ 2013 playoff push.
"I think we owe something to the city," Skenes said. “It’s our job to go out and win for the city because this is bigger than all of us.”
(pic courtesy of Bleacher Report)