Paul Skenes Stuns in Debut: Four Walks, Four Strikeouts Leave Pirates and Fans on Edge

Pirates supporters finally got to witness a sneak peek of the 2025 National League Cy Young awardee as he took the mound on a crisp Wednesday afternoon. Paul Skenes made his debut appearance of 2026 in a showdown against the Atlanta Braves down in North Port, Florida. This outing stands as his sole scheduled game for the Pirates before gearing up to represent Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic. Facing a potent Braves lineup featuring stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, Skenes logged 2.1 innings, navigating through walks and key strikeouts while showcasing the skills that earned him baseball’s top pitching honor last year. He may have handed out a few free passes — four to be exact — but managed to keep runs off the board until a well-timed homer after his exit. Early offensive support from the Buccos gave him a brief cushion, and though the Pirates ultimately fell 3-1, it was a spirited return for Skenes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting March. The World Baseball Classic beckons shortly, with Team USA hungry to avenge their narrow 2023 final loss to Japan, so all eyes will be on Skenes as he takes the bump once again. The countdown to Opening Day is ticking, and this glimpse just whets the appetite for the season ahead. LEARN MORE