Pirates lose 7-3 to Tigers on June 19, 2025, as Paul Skenes stumbles and bats go silent. Read how Detroit's Keider Montero stifled the Bucs' offense.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another frustrating loss for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hopes were high with ace rookie Paul Skenes on the mound, but even his talent couldn't overcome a potent Detroit Tigers lineup and a Pirates offense that went missing in action. The 7-3 defeat at Comerica Park wasn't just a single loss; it was the team's fourth straight, pushing their season record to a grim 29-45.
The loss continues a tough stretch for the Pirates, who have now lost four straight games and sit at 29-45 on the season.
Paul Skenes entered Thursday's game as one of the few consistent bright spots for the Bucs, boasting a stellar 1.78 ERA. But the Tigers got to him, and the Pirates' bats couldn't answer back. Detroit's Keider Montero kept the Pittsburgh hitters off balance, while the Tigers' offense methodically built a lead that never felt threatened. For Skenes, it was a rare tough outing, but the real story remains the lack of run support. It's a recurring nightmare for Pirates fans: a promising pitching performance squandered by an inability to score.
While the big league club struggles, there's excitement brewing in the farm system. Top prospect Griffin is turning heads with his incredible athleticism and versatility. The organization is testing him at both shortstop and in the outfield, and he's excelling everywhere. A recent diving catch in left-center has been the talk of the minor league circuit. It's a reminder that while the present may be painful, the front office is still focused on building a sustainable winner by developing talent and leveraging its strong pitching pipeline.
As the Pirates look to snap this losing streak, the path forward is clear but difficult: the offense has to wake up. The pitching, led by young arms like Skenes, can only carry this team so far. Whether it's a lineup shuffle or a change in approach at the plate, something needs to give. Fans are desperate for a sign of life, a spark to show that this season isn't already a lost cause.
