Paul Skenes wins first game since May after strong start

On July 22, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the Detroit Tigers in a Major League Baseball game at home. In an impressive performance, Paul Skenes pitched six innings, allowing only three hits and striking out six batters, leading the Pirates to a 3-0 victory. This win marked Skenes' first since late May and reduced his earned run average to an impressive 1.91, the best in the league. The Pirates managed to put together enough offense, with Spencer Horwitz and Bryan Reynolds contributing key hits. The win came after a tough stretch where the Pirates had lost 11 of their previous 12 games, showcasing a much-needed rebound against the division leaders. On the other side, Jack Flaherty, pitching for the Tigers, struggled, lasting only three innings. Detroit's hopes of scoring were stifled by Skenes, particularly in the third inning when they threatened but failed to capitalize. This game was crucial for the Pirates as they aimed to turn their season around after facing challenges recently. The following day, July 23, 2025, the Pirates continued their strong performance against the Tigers, winning 8-5. In this game, several players, including Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, and Tommy Pham, made significant contributions at the plate with multiple hits and RBIs. The Pirates opened the scoring early in the game with a two-run double from Horwitz. Despite the Tigers' efforts, including a three-run home run from Jake Rogers and a late pinch-hit two-run shot from Jahmai Jones, they were unable to keep pace with Pittsburgh's offense. Mitch Keller, pitching for the Pirates, earned what might be his final win with the team amid trade rumors, while David Bednar closed out the game with another save. This win highlighted the Pirates' ability to compete against the best teams, signaling a potential turnaround in their season after a rough patch.