Despite 1-0 win, the Pirates let Paul Skenes down once again  

When on the mound, Skenes allowed only five hits and one walks while striking out five. Three relievers, including David Bernard in the ninth, kept the shutout going and aided in the victory. 

But this is nothing new for Skenes. Pittsburgh only scored more than two runs once out of his five starts in June. What happened on Tuesday now makes that once in his last six starts. 

Despite the lack of run support and his 4-7 losing record when he does get a decision, Skenes has still put together a season that would otherwise appear as one of the best in baseball. 

While a bit of a dip from his historic rookie season, Skenes has a 2.03 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and 115 strikeouts through 18 starts in 2025.  

However, unlike last year when Skenes' production mostly led to wins on his record — he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and recorded 170 strikeouts — the Pirates' offense has let him down time and time again this season. 

And to make matters worse, Pittsburgh was riding a rare offensive wave heading into his latest start. Not only did the Pirates put up seven runs against St. Louis on Monday, but they scored 30 in a three-game sweep of the Mets last weekend.

Then, like clockwork, Pittsburgh's bats cooled off and runners were left on base with Skenes on the mound. 

Obviously, winning is the most important thing. And the 37-50 Pirates did win as a team. But at the same time, it's impossible to not notice how Skenes continues to be proof that it's not exactly fair to hold a pitcher's win-loss record against him too much or use it when evaluating his actual performance. 

Based on Skenes' luck, expect the Pirates to find home plate 10 times when they try to go for another rare sweep on Wednesday.