Pirates ace Paul Skenes dominates the 2025 MLB All-Star Game for the NL, striking out two in a perfect inning. Recap his electric performance on July 16.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the Pirates enjoyed a scheduled day off, their ace was putting the entire league on notice. Paul Skenes took the mound for the National League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game and delivered a performance that was pure electricity. In a masterful first inning, Skenes showcased the overpowering stuff that has made him a phenomenon, retiring the side in order and cementing his place among baseball's elite.
One inning. Two strikeouts. Zero hits. Paul Skenes didn't just participate in the All-Star Game; he owned it.
Representing the black and gold on the national stage, Skenes was simply untouchable. Facing the American League's best hitters, he was ruthlessly efficient, needing just a handful of pitches to record three quick outs. He fanned two batters with his signature high-velocity fastball and devastating slider, allowing no one to reach base. It was a statement inning that not only contributed to the National League's eventual victory in a swing-off but also served as a powerful reminder to the rest of baseball: the Pirates have a true ace leading their rotation.
Beyond Skenes' heroics, Wednesday was a quiet day for the organization, and that's a good thing. The trade wire was silent, no new injuries were reported, and the roster remained stable. After a grueling first half, a drama-free day off is exactly what the team needed to rest and reset. This period of calm allows the focus to remain squarely on the field as the Bucs prepare for the crucial stretch run.
The midsummer classic is now in the rearview mirror, and the focus shifts back to the regular season grind. The Pirates will return to action at home this Friday, July 18, to kick off a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox at PNC Park. This homestand marks the official beginning of the second half, and the team will look to build on its first-half momentum right out of the gate.
With Paul Skenes' electrifying All-Star performance setting the tone, the break is officially over. The quiet day on the transaction and injury front is the best-case scenario as the team recharges. Now, all eyes turn to PNC Park this Friday, as the Pirates kick off the second half against the Chicago White Sox. The ace has done his part; now it's time for the whole team to follow his lead.
