After a 7-2 loss to the White Sox, the Pirates look to Paul Skenes to end their slump. Andrew McCutchen ties a team record. Can Skenes deliver on July 21?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Let's not sugarcoat it: this is a tough time to be a Pirates fan. Sunday's 7-2 loss to the White Sox capped a miserable weekend sweep and marked the team's 11th defeat in their last 12 contests. The bats are cold, the starting pitching has been shaky, and the losses are piling up. But tonight, there's a reason for hope. Tonight is Skenes Day.
With his 2,232nd career hit, Andrew McCutchen now stands beside the legendary Willie Stargell for 180th on the MLB all-time list.
The series finale against Chicago felt like a summary of the season's struggles. Starter Andrew Heaney was rocked early, surrendering back-to-back home runs in the first inning and ultimately giving up seven runs in just four innings of work to fall to 4-9. The offense couldn't muster much of a response, and the 7-2 final score felt decided almost before it began. Dropping to 39-61 on the season, the team is desperately searching for a spark to pull them out of this tailspin.
Even in a lopsided loss, there was a moment of historical significance for the black and gold. In the ninth inning, Andrew McCutchen laced a double for his 2,232nd career hit. The knock officially tied him with the iconic Willie 'Pops' Stargell for 180th place on the all-time MLB hits list. For a player who means so much to this city and franchise, sharing a spot in the record books with a legend like Stargell is a truly special accomplishment and a rare bright spot in a dark stretch.
Tonight, the Pirates will hand the ball to the man they hope can single-handedly change their fortunes: Paul Skenes. The rookie flamethrower and National League All-Star Game starter has been nothing short of electric, boasting a sparkling 2.01 ERA. His 4-8 record is a testament to the team's lack of run support on his start days, something they must change against the visiting Detroit Tigers. Skenes will face veteran righty Jack Flaherty (5-9, 4.65 ERA) in what feels like a must-win game to restore some semblance of momentum at PNC Park.
While the big league club struggles, the front office was busy building for the future during last week's MLB Draft. With 21 new prospects entering the system, the Pirates added a mix of power and athleticism. Keep an eye on names like LSU first baseman Jared Jones (Round 9), who slugged 64 homers in college, and speedy shortstop Matt King (Round 10) from Arizona State. Just as Skenes, a former top pick, is now the team's biggest star, the hope is that players from this draft class will form the core of the next winning Pirates team.
The past was honored this weekend with McCutchen's milestone, and the future was addressed in the draft. But right now, all that matters is the present. Can Paul Skenes be the stopper the Pirates so desperately need? Can the offense finally give him the support he deserves? Tune in tonight; it feels like more than just one game out of 162 is on the line.
