MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins on Opening Day at loanDepot park on March 27, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Paul Skenes gave Pittsburgh Pirates fans plenty to be excited about with a dominant outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. The second year right-hander threw seven innings of shutout baseball—at least in the earned run column—allowing just one unearned run on three hits. He didn’t issue a single walk and struck out six.
Skenes’ outing was exactly what the Pirates needed to stop a four-game skid. With the win, he improved his record to 1-0 on the season and brought his ERA down to 1.46. He attacked the strike zone, stayed efficient, and kept Tampa Bay’s lineup off balance all afternoon.
On the offensive side, Pittsburgh got contributions from several players. Oneil Cruz had a strong day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Adam Frazier also collected two hits and drove in a run, while catcher Endy Rodriguez added an important RBI single late in the game.
This team effort led to a 4-2 win and gave the Pirates a much-needed boost after a rough stretch to start the season.
