Don't let Pirates ace Paul Skenes' dud distract you from Giants ace Logan Webb's woes

Now, Skenes surrendered a three-run homer to first baseman Rafael Devers in the top of the second inning, giving the Giants a 5-2 lead. Horrendous, yes, but still not as pathetic as Webb's performance, which culminated in a disastrous exit. He walked in two runs in the bottom of the third inning, squandering that 5-2 lead, and allowed seven total before recording an out in the third inning.

Skenes' poor performance will be one of the main storylines after this game, and understandably so. The 24-year-old set such a high bar during his first two seasons in the majors that his sudden decline has come as a major shock. 

The 2025 National League Cy Young winner entered Tuesday night with a career-worst 3.97 ERA. He posted a 1.96 ERA in 2024 and a major league-leading 1.97 in 2025. 

Three-time All-Star Webb, however, has been just as disappointing, if not worse, than Skenes. Entering Tuesday night, the 29-year-old pitcher had a 4.21 ERA, the third-worst mark in his eight-year career. 

Skenes' dip was more unexpected after he dominated baseball in his first two seasons, and it's a key reason the Pirates (68-71), who haven't made the playoffs since 2015, will miss them again this season. But the Giants (57-82) aren't going to sniff the postseason, either. Webb's woes have certainly contributed to the lousy season. 

So, let's not let Webb off the hook. He deserves to be scrutinized, just like Skenes.