Pirates Recap: Paul Skenes Makes Second Spring Start, Peguero Hits Big HR

Paul Skenes toed the rubber for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 9-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota on Thursday night.

It was the second start of the spring for Skenes, who allowed one run and struck out four in three innings against the Orioles on Saturday.

This time, Skenes’ final line read 3.0 innings, four hits, two runs, two walks and three strikeouts. The reigning Rookie of the Year also hit 100 mph on the radar gun.

Skenes issued a walk and allowed an infield single in the first inning but struck out leadoff hitter Cedric Mullins and recorded a pair of groundouts to keep the Orioles from scoring. Baltimore scored a run in the second on a groundout with runners on second and third with one out.

Skenes allowed another base hit in the third inning but held the Orioles scoreless capped off by a strikeout to end the frame. After a leadoff single to open the fourth, Skenes’ night was done.

Ryan Mountcastle, who singled off of Skenes, scored against Ryan Harbin as part of a four-run fourth inning.

Through his two starts now this spring for the Pirates, Skenes has been charged with three runs on eight hits in six innings with three walks and seven strikeouts. Opponents are hitting .308 against him.

Peguero Plays Difference-Maker

Liover Peguero replaced Enmanuel Valdez and got his first at-bat of the game in the eighth inning.

The 24-year-old made it count as he belted a go-ahead home run to left field for his first hit of the spring, snapping an 0-for-8 skid in the process. It came an inning before the Pirates struck for three runs in the ninth.

Peggy’s first home run of spring 👏 pic.twitter.com/akqC6r3FWo

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 7, 2025

Notable Pirates Performances

• Paul Skenes: 3.0 innings, four hits, two runs, two walks, three strikeouts
• Kyle Nicolas: 1.0 inning, no hits, no runs, one walk, two strikeouts
• Endy Rodríguez: 3 for 3, one RBI, one run
• Liover Peguero: 1 for 1, one home run, one RBI, one walk
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 2 for 3
• Nick Yorke: 1 for 2, one double, one RBI

Up next, the Pirates (8-5) will host the Philadelphia Phillies at LECOM Park on Friday afternoon. First pitch: 1:05 ET.