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Analyzing Paul Skenes’ Pitching Struggles Against the Cubs
A Rough Night for a Rising Star
Paul Skenes entered his fifth MLB start with promise—a 0.99 ERA, just one home run allowed in four games, and the poise of a pitcher destined for greatness. But baseball has a way of humbling even the most talented players. The Chicago Cubs, a team with a knack for exploiting weaknesses, turned Skenes’ outing into a learning experience he won’t soon forget. In a single inning, they tagged him for three home runs, a first in his young career. What went wrong? And what does this mean for Skenes and the Pirates moving forward?
The Fifth Inning Collapse
The game unraveled quickly in the fifth. Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki took Skenes deep in rapid succession, turning a competitive matchup into a rout. Each homer exposed a different flaw:
– Swanson’s blast came on a misplaced sinker, a pitch Skenes usually commands well.
– Tucker’s shot was a splitter left hanging over the plate.
– Suzuki’s back-to-back homer confirmed the Cubs had locked in on Skenes’ tendencies.
This wasn’t just bad luck—it was a calculated dismantling. The Cubs’ hitters laid off borderline pitches, waited for mistakes, and pounced when Skenes faltered.
Breaking Down Skenes’ Performance
Statistically, the outing was an outlier. Before this game, Skenes had been dominant, with a strikeout rate among the league’s best and impeccable control. But the Cubs forced him into uncharted territory:
| Metric | Pre-Game Avg. | Vs. Cubs |
|—————-|————–|———-|
| HRs allowed | 0.25 per game | 3 |
| Innings pitched| 6+ | 5 |
| Walks | 1.5 per game | 2 |
The most telling stat? Pitch location. Skenes’ splitters, which usually dive below the zone, stayed elevated. His fastball, normally explosive at the top of the strike zone, drifted middle-in. The Cubs didn’t miss.
Why the Cubs Succeeded
Chicago’s approach was a masterclass in scouting and execution:
This wasn’t just power—it was discipline. The Cubs’ lineup, stacked with veteran hitters, exploited Skenes’ lack of experience adjusting mid-game.
What This Means for the Pirates
For Pittsburgh, the game highlighted two critical issues:
The silver lining? Every elite pitcher has a game like this. Justin Verlander gave up eight runs in a 2008 playoff game; Clayton Kershaw once allowed four homers in an inning. The greats use these moments as fuel.
The Cubs’ Bigger Picture
For Chicago, the win was a statement. Their offense, inconsistent at times, showed it can dominate elite pitching. If they maintain this approach—selective aggression, capitalizing on mistakes—they’ll be a nightmare in October.
Final Thoughts: Growth Through Adversity
Baseball is a game of adjustments. For Skenes, this start wasn’t a failure—it was a necessary step. The Cubs revealed flaws, but flaws can be fixed. His next outing will be telling: Will he refine his splitter? Can he reset after adversity?
For the Pirates, the lesson is patience. Rookie pitchers face growing pains, but Skenes’ raw talent is undeniable. For the Cubs, the lesson is simpler: When you smell blood, attack.
The season is long, and one game won’t define Skenes or the Cubs. But in a single inning, baseball reminded us why it’s the most unforgiving—and rewarding—sport of all.
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