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Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Summary
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was pulled from the game after just two-thirds of an inning, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks in his opening day start against the New York Mets. The Mets scored five runs in the first inning, with Skenes’ final line reading 67.50 ERA. Pirates manager Don Kelly attributed the early exit to a “pitch count related” issue. Skenes came into the season with a career 1.96 ERA across 55 starts for the Pirates.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Skenes started strong, but the Mets’ offense soon took over. A five-run first inning, including two errors by O’Neil Cruz, made it a quick exit for the Pirates’ ace. Even the best pitchers have off days, and this was one to forget.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end. Skenes’ struggles continued, and the Pirates’ manager pulled him after just two-thirds of an inning. It’s not uncommon to see a pitcher struggle in the early season, especially after a long World Baseball Classic.
This one felt recognizable early. The Mets’ offense, led by Juan Soto and Bo Bichette, got to Skenes early and often. The Pirates’ center fielder, O’Neil Cruz, made two costly errors that allowed the Mets to take the lead.
Skenes will have to look at an inflated 67.50 ERA to start the year on the wrong foot. The Pirates will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this disappointing opening day loss.
Original Observation: The Pirates’ ace had to make a long trek back to the dugout after being pulled from the game, a journey that often feels longer when the result is a blowout loss.
