Pittsburgh Pirates’ Offensive Struggles Leave Paul Skenes Without Support

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued a troubling trend on Tuesday night, failing to provide adequate run support for their star pitcher, Paul Skenes. Despite Skenes delivering another stellar performance with five scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, he left the ballpark without a win added to his record. In a game that highlighted the Pirates’ offensive inconsistencies, Pittsburgh managed to secure a 1-0 victory, thanks to a late sacrifice fly by Henry Davis in the eighth inning.

Skenes, a generational talent, allowed only five hits and one walk while striking out five batters. His efforts were complemented by three relievers, including David Bernard, who maintained the shutout and clinched the win. However, the lack of run support has been a recurring theme for Skenes, as Pittsburgh has scored more than two runs in just one of his last six starts.

Paul Skenes: A Season of Stellar Performances and Frustrations

Despite the Pirates’ offensive struggles, Skenes has crafted a remarkable season. With a 2.03 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts through 18 starts in 2025, his performance remains among the best in baseball. Yet, his 4-7 losing record when receiving a decision underscores the disconnect between his efforts and the team’s offensive output.

“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,” noted Mike Asti, Managing Editor of WV Sports Now.

Last year, Skenes’ contributions frequently translated into victories, as he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts. This season, however, the Pirates’ offense has repeatedly let him down, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s ability to capitalize on his talent.

Pittsburgh’s Offensive Rollercoaster

The Pirates’ inconsistency at the plate has been a point of frustration for both players and fans. Heading into Skenes’ latest start, Pittsburgh was riding a rare offensive wave, having scored seven runs against the Cardinals on Monday and 30 runs in a three-game sweep of the Mets over the weekend. Yet, when Skenes took the mound, the bats went silent, and runners were left stranded.

This pattern of offensive highs and lows has plagued the Pirates throughout the season, contributing to their 37-50 record. The team’s inability to provide consistent run support for their ace pitcher highlights broader issues within the lineup that need addressing.

Looking Ahead: Can the Pirates Turn the Tide?

As the Pirates prepare to go for another rare sweep on Wednesday, the question remains whether they can find the consistency needed to support their star pitcher. Skenes’ performances continue to be a testament to his talent, but without adequate run support, his efforts may not translate into the wins he deserves.

Experts suggest that the Pirates need to address their offensive woes to maximize Skenes’ impact on the field. Improving their approach at the plate and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be crucial if Pittsburgh hopes to turn their season around and provide their ace with the support he needs.

As the season progresses, the Pirates’ ability to adapt and overcome their offensive struggles will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. For now, Skenes remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, showcasing his talent and resilience on the mound.

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