Pirates Preview: Paul Skenes Faces American League’s Best

Danny Demilio |

Aug 18, 2025

Paul Skenes, Henry Davis, Pittsburgh Pirates — Photo provided by Matt Lynch

The Pittsburgh Pirates fell 4-3 to the Chicago Cubs in Sunday’s rubber match at Wrigley Field.

The two teams exchanged blows and the Pirates took a brief lead in the sixth inning on a Joey Bart two-run double, but the Cubs responded with two runs over the next three innings for the win.

The Pirates (52-73) return home and will face the American League-leading Toronto Blue Jays (73-52) for the start of a three-game series on Monday.

First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Sunny skies with temperatures around 80 degrees at first pitch. Winds NE at 3-4 mph.

RHP Paul Skenes (7-9, 2.13 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

It’s something that hasn’t had to be said often during his career, but Skenes will look to bounce back after he allowed four runs in four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers last week.

In fact, the prized right-hander has allowed four runs in two of his last three starts, something he only did three other times through his first 45 career starts.

Skenes still leads baseball in ERA, is tied for third in batting average against (.197) and ranks sixth in strikeouts with 166.

This will be his first time facing the Blue Jays.

RHP Kevin Gausman (8-9, 3.79 ERA) Will Start for the Blue Jays

Gausman held the Cubs to two runs on three hits across seven innings in his last outing on Wednesday.

The veteran right-hander has worked seven innings in each of his past two starts and has only allowed three runs on six hits.

Over his last nine starts dating back to June 26, Gausman is 3-3 with a 2.54 ERA. In 56.2 innings during that stretch, he’s only allowed 37 hits and has struck out 54 batters.

In 10 career appearances against the Pirates, Gausman is 1-3 with a 5.74 ERA.

Blue Jays Hitters vs. Skenes

Ty France: 1 for 2, one strikeout

Pirates Hitters vs. Gausman

Tommy Pham: 8 for 22, one double, one home run, four RBI, one walk, six strikeouts
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 6 for 14, one double, two home runs, two RBI, one walk, two strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 3 for 11, one double, one RBI, one walk, four strikeouts
Andrew McCutchen: 3 for 8, one double, one home run, six RBI, one walk, one strikeout

Tidbits

The Pirates have played in 49 one-run games this season, the most in MLB. They are 22-27 in those games.
Paul Skenes has a career 1.65 ERA in 12 interleague starts in his career.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa enters play one hit shy of 800 in his career. 94 active players have amassed at least 800 hits in their career.