Pittsburgh Pirates Ace Paul Skenes Dazzles Against San Diego Padres

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher Paul Skenes had a game for the ages this evening against a loaded San Diego Padres lineup. The first hit he surrendered was a single to Fernando Tatis Jr. in the top of the 6th inning. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner finished the game with one earned run over 6.1 innings with 6 strikeouts. Will Skenes be able to regain his form from years past as the season marches on?

Paul Skenes’ 2026 Season Has Not Gone According To Plan

Skenes entered the 2026 regular season with lofty expectations as he tried to follow up his Cy Young campaign. Unfortunately, he has yet to live up to it. To be fair, his ERA(5.25) is being driven up by a miserable start against the New York Mets on Opening Day. He failed to get out of the first inning for the first time in his career and had the worst Opening Day start for a reigning Cy Young Award winner in league history.

He rebounded from his terrible start against the Mets with a solid appearance against the Cincinnati Reds. He tossed five innings while giving up a lone earned run. Skenes built on his start against the Reds with the best start of his season tonight against the Padres.

When Will See Skenes Next?

The young ace is scheduled to toe the slab next on Monday, April 13, at home against the Washington Nationals. Skenes faced the Nationals in April of 2025 and fared well. He surrendered 2 runs(1 earned) over 6 innings of work. He will look for history to repeat itself nearly a year after his last start against the ballclub.