After facing the biggest commitment of his career as a pitcher, Paul Skenes is focused on MLB and getting the Pirates to the playoffs. The first step will be to beat the Mets.
The pitcher will start the campaign with more confidence and security after facing the pressure of the World Baseball Classic. Although the United States lost the final against Venezuela, Skenes managed to show himself in scenarios that require courage and temperament to get ahead.
Pittsburgh will open its campaign against a New York team that is a real enigma. With their hiring strategy, the Mets generate uncertainty. There are no accurate forecasts to know if they will be a difficult opponent to beat or an easy one. However, Paul thinks they are complicated.
They’re a good team. It will be exciting to face them
Skenes faced the Mets once last year, in May. In that game he pitched six innings, struck out six, but allowed one run. The Pirates lost 4-3.
The current New York hitters are batting .240 against Skenes, with eight strikeouts and one RBI. That lone RBI is from Bo Bichette. Even so, his response about facing the Mets shows his mentality.
How did Skenes do on Opening Day 2025?
He pitched in the opening game on the road last season. He went 5.1 innings against the Miami Marlins, striking out seven batters but allowing two runs, as the Pirates fell in Florida.
Skenes and the challenge of positioning the Pirates
The sensational pitcher hopes to lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. He also wants to help them win their first World Series since 1979. First pitch is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. (ET) on March 26 against the Mets.
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