On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Washington Nationals (at home).
Paul Skenes got the start, going six innings with six strikeouts (and only one earned run).
The Pirates won by a score of 16-5.
Pittsburgh Pirates Star Paul Skenes Made History
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates after pitching in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
In addition to his strong start, Skenes also made history.
The Pirates wrote (via X): “With his latest K, Paul Skenes becomes the first Pirates pitcher in the Modern Era with at least 400 strikeouts in his first 59 career starts.”
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks across the field prior to the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Skenes is currently 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA in four games this season.
Underdog wrote (before Monday’s game): “Paul Skenes’ ERA following each game… Game 1 – 67.50 Game 2 – 9.53 Game 3 – 5.25 Skenes needs to pitch 19.2 consecutive scoreless innings to get his season ERA under 2.00”
Skenes’ MLB Career
GettyStarting pitcher Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the MLB game at Chase Field on May 28, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Skenes was first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
He has spent all three years of his career playing for the Pirates.
In just his second season (last year), Skenes won the Cy Young Award, going 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA in 32 games.
MLB Social Media Reacts To Skenes’s Performance
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after giving up a home run in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park on April 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Here’s what people were saying about Skenes’ outing:
Spencer Nusbaum: “Final: Pirates 16, Nationals 5 Paul Skenes allowed one hit, a homer to CJ Abrams. Cade Cavalli’s command wavered. Six pitchers, one of whom was actually just Joey Wiemer, allowed 16 hits. Record: 7-9″
@ThePoniExpress: “Paul Skenes 2026 run support: 38 runs. It took Paul Skenes until start #12 to get to 38 runs of support in 2025. What a difference an offseason of spending and making moves makes.”
@JimStamm22: “The #Pirates have won three of Paul Skenes’ first four starts. Critical for this club to win the majority of his starts if they want to go anywhere this season.”
@PitchingNinja: “It’s Changeup Night for Paul Skenes. 10 Whiffs on his Changeup (on 19 swings)”
StatMuse: “Paul Skenes vs Nationals: 6.0 IP 1 H 1 ER 1 BB 6 SO Leaves the game with a 14-run lead.”
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks off the field at the end of the second inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 28, 2024 in New York City.
Pirates Right Now
The Pirates are off to a strong start to the year as the top team in the National League Central with a 10-6 record in 16 games.
They are 5-2 in the seven games they have played at home.
The franchise last made the MLB playoffs during the 2015 season.
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