Pirates’ Paul Skenes struggles after Cubs hit three home runs in one inning

On May 1, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the Chicago Cubs in a Major League Baseball game, resulting in an 8-3 victory for the Cubs at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The game's defining moment came in the fifth inning, where pitcher Paul Skenes, who is considered the Pirates' ace, struggled significantly. Until this game, Skenes had displayed remarkable control on the mound, having previously allowed just one home run across his first six starts of the season. However, in this match, he unexpectedly gave up three home runs during one inning, which marked a stark departure from his usual form. Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki all connected for home runs, turning the game around for the Cubs and effectively sealing Skenes' fate for the day. Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year and a high draft pick, appeared to have lost his command during this match, evident when he walked four batters over five innings. His previous performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers was notably strong, making this loss particularly surprising for everyone involved, including his team and supporters. This game underscored the unpredictable nature of sports and how even the best athletes can have off days. Cubs' Suzuki later added a two-run homer, illustrating how the Chicago team capitalized on Skenes’ uncharacteristic erratic pitching. The aftermath of the game revealed the stakes for both teams. While the Cubs enjoyed the win and looked forward to their next series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Pirates struggled at the bottom of the standings, having dropped four of their last five games. The game brought a crowd of 13,633 fans, many of whom were reminded of a tragic incident involving a fan who had fallen from the stands in a prior game, highlighting the emotional atmosphere surrounding the event. Following the match, discussions about the necessity for additional safety measures in the stadiums to prevent such accidents were anticipated. Skenes' performance and subsequent criticism also had broader consequences for the Pirates, as they began preparing for an upcoming series against the San Diego Padres. Given that he only has three wins this season, there’s increased pressure on Skenes to execute better in future appearances. His teammates expressed understanding and support, acknowledging that even exceptional players can have rough outings. As the team looks to regain form, the focus will undoubtedly shift toward how Skenes can adapt and bounce back from this challenging outing in the upcoming matches.