Pirates

Pirates Preview: A Paul Skenes Saturday at PNC Park

Published

1 month ago

April 19, 2025

After falling behind by eight runs, the Pittsburgh Pirates brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth but Jack Suwisnki struck out to end the game in a 10-7 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Enmanuel Valdez each homered for the Pittsburgh Pirates but Carmen Mldozinski struggled in his fourth start of the season.

The Pirates (8-13) will look to bounce back on Saturday in the second game of a weekend series with the Guardians (10-9)

First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Chance of rain around game time with temperatures around 80 degrees at first pitch. Winds W at 13-14 mph.

RHP Paul Skenes (2-1, 2.96 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

Skenes returned to form in his last start after an extremely rare rough outing.

The right-hander allowed two runs (one hit) in 6.0 innings with six strikeouts against the Nationals to begin the homestand and earned his second win of the season.

Skenes’ blip came against the Cardinals in his first home start of the season on April 8. In that game, the reigning Rookie of the Year allowed five runs in 6.0 innings and took the loss.

This will be his first time facing the Guardians. In six career interleague games, Skenes is a perfect 3-0 with a stellar 1.59 ERA.

RHP Ben Lively (0-2, 4.87 ERA) vs. Will Start for the Guardians

Lively allowed four runs for the second time this season in his most recent start against the Royals.

Kansas City struck for seven hits while Lively walked a pair and struck out five in 6.0 innings.

It’s been an inconsistent start to the season for the 33-year-old. He allowed three runs in 5.0 innings in his season debut, four in 4.1 innings in his second start and threw 5.0-shutout frames his third time out before his start against the Royals.

Lively has made four appearances/three starts against the Pirates in his career and is 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA.

Guardians Hitters vs. Skenes

Pirates Hitters vs. Lively

Tommy Pham: 5 for 12, one double, one home run, four RBI, four strikeouts
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 2 for 7, one home run, one RBI, two strikeouts
Enmanuel Valdez: 0 for 6, five strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 3
Oneil Cruz: 1 for 3, two RBI, one strikeouts
Adam Frazier: 0 for 3

Tidbits

Oneil Cruz became only the second Major League player since at least 1900 to hit a grand slam and two leadoff home runs in a three-game span. The other was Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon in 2016.
Carmen Mlodiznski has a 0.00 ERA (0er/8.0ip) in the first and second innings this season but a 14.00 ERA (14er/9ip) in the third through fifth innings.
Jack Suwinski has struck out in 44.2% of his plate appearances. That’s the second-highest mark among players with 40-plus PAs on the season behind the Rockies’ Michael Toglia (47.8%).