Pirates’ Opening Day Struggles

Pittsburgh Pirates fans felt a sense of anticipation as Paul Skeens took the mound in the bottom of the first inning against the New York Mets on Opening Day.

After the Pirates scored two runs in the top of the first, there was, perhaps, a hint of renewed hope among the fans, especially with their ace preparing to face a new-look Mets lineup.

However, that optimism faded quickly. Skeens faced just two outs and had given up five earned runs before he exited the game early.

The Mets capitalized on Skeens’ struggles, putting up five runs in the bottom of the first. The inning began quietly with a walk to Francisco Lindor, followed by a single from Juan Soto, which advanced Lindor to third base. Then, Bo Bichette, a recent addition to the Mets, sent a fly ball to right field.

This sacrifice fly scored a run, trimming Pittsburgh’s lead.

But the Mets weren’t done yet.

After an infield hit, Brett Batty followed up with a walk to load the bases. Then, he hit a fly ball deep into center. The thing is, center fielder O’Neal Cruz, who started the game, misplayed the ball, breaking a fundamental outfield rule.

Even though it seemed like a harmless fly at first, it sailed over his head, allowing the Mets to clear the bases.

One could imagine Cruz wanting to disappear right then. Unfortunately, baseball has a way of bringing the ball back to you, which is what happened next when Marcus Semien sent another fly ball Cruz’s way.

This time, the sun proved to be a challenge, and, well, it won.

This play was ruled a double, and rightfully so.

Skeens, in the first inning, did manage to get a strikeout against Carson Benge, but then hit Francisco Alvarez with a sinker. With the Mets now leading 5-2, Skeens’ outing came to an end as he was replaced by Johan Ramirez.

So, what did Skeens’ Opening Day stats look like? He pitched 0.2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 5 runs, 5 earned runs, 2 walks, and had 1 strikeout. Some of those runs could be argued as unearned due to the defensive errors.

But for now, his earned run average? A staggering 67.50.

It’s a stark reminder that as someone once said, “That’s the hope that kills you.”