Pirates Recap: Paul Skenes Makes Another Tune-Up; Big Day for Offense

Paul Skenes threw four solid innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 9-1 win over the New York Yankees at LECOM Park in Bradenton on Tuesday afternoon.

In Skenes’ third start of the spring, he allowed one run — a solo home run to Trent Grisham — on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Though Skenes still isn’t quite as sharp as he was during last year’s regular season, there’s no reason to believe a sophomore slump is looming for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year.

Through his three starts this spring, Skenes has allowed four runs on 12 hits in 10 innings with opponents hitting .293 against him. He’s walked five batters and struck out 12.

The big right-hander still features big velocity. In Tuesday’s win over the Yankees, Skenes hit 99.9 mph on the radar gun.

Cruz’s Blast Sparks Offense

Oneil Cruz hit a patented missile home run for the Pirates as part of a four-run third inning. The three-run blast to right field registered an exit velocity of 114.9 mph and traveled 385 feet.

114.9 mph Cruz Missile. pic.twitter.com/9gwwJiUwjN

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 11, 2025

Cruz’s homer was his third in nine games this spring. Though he’s hitting just .182, Cruz carries a .367 on-base percentage and a .591 slugging percentage.

He was one of a handful of players to have a big game at the plate. The others can be found below.

Notable Pirates’ Performances

• Paul Skenes: 4.0 innings, four hits, one run, two walks, five strikeouts
• Colin Holderman: 1.0 inning, no hits, no runs, no walks, two strikeouts
• Billy Cook: 2 for 2, one home run, one RBI, one walk
• Oneil Cruz: 1 for 3, one home run, three RBIs, two runs
• Ji Hwan Bae: 2 for 4, two doubles, one RBI, two runs
• Nick Gonzales: 2 for 3, one double, two RBIs, one steal
• Adam Frazier: 1 for 3, two RBIs, two runs, one walk

The Pirates have a day off on Wednesday. On Thursday, they will hit the road to face the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 ET.