Home  >>  News  >>  Skenes Struggles as Pirates Face Mets: What's Next?
Skenes Struggles as Pirates Face Mets: What's Next?

Skenes Struggles as Pirates Face Mets: What's Next?

28 Mar, 2026

In an unexpected turn of events, Paul Skenes, the promising pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, faced a challenging game against the New York Mets. Olivia Dunne, a celebrated LSU gymnast and swimsuit model, was among those who expressed disappointment after observing Skenes' performance. Fans noted that her reaction was telling, as Skenes appeared visibly lost on the bench following his removal from the game.

The Pirates’ Opening Day did not go as planned. While pitching struggles were evident, the main issue stemmed from a lackluster defensive performance. A pivotal moment occurred when center fielder Oneil Cruz misjudged a fly ball, allowing three runs to score, which put the team in a tight spot. This incident raised serious concerns regarding the Pirates' defensive strategy, particularly with Cruz being supported by players like Ryan O’Hearn and Bryan Reynolds, who are not known for their exceptional fielding skills.

Despite Skenes not delivering his best performance, the lack of defensive support only compounded his troubles. He recorded just one strikeout and walked two batters, failing to find his rhythm on the mound. This left many fans and analysts questioning the team’s readiness for the season and their chances of making a playoff run.

Paul Skenes, however, remains optimistic. In his post-game remarks, he emphasized the team's goal of winning the division and making the playoffs. "We want to win the division. We want to make the playoffs. That’s it. How we do that, who knows?" he stated, reflecting the team's determination to bounce back from this rocky start.

As fans digest this disappointing outing, the focus shifts to how the Pirates will regroup and address their defensive issues. With high expectations for the season, the team needs to find a solution quickly to ensure they remain in the playoff conversation.

Latest News