Pirates' Season Opener Shattered by Cruz's Shocking Errors and Skenes' Unexpected Struggles—What Went Wrong?

Another run scored. The inexcusable errors immediately erased a great start in the top of the first inning and the Pirates couldn’t battle all the way back.

Skenes and the Pirates trailed 5-2. Skenes punched out Carson Benge but hit Francisco Alvarez. His day was over.

Oneil Cruz with two of the worst center field plays you’ll see in a big league game

…in the first inning of the first game of the year pic.twitter.com/kaBWNd58a3

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 26, 2026

Yohan Ramirez responded with an impressive 2.1 innings and three strikeouts in relief, but the bullpen allowed another six runs.

Mason Montgomery, Isaac Mattson, and Justin Lawrence each allowed two runs.

The Pirates’ offense totaled 10 hits and showed some positive signs for the year.

In his team debut, Lowe etched himself into the history books. Lowe hit his second homer of the game in the top of the third and became the seventh Pirate to homer twice on Opening Day.

Henry Davis doubled down the left field line in the fifth for his first hit of the year to score Nick Gonzales, who recorded two hits.