Skenes says Pirates bats are making it easier for him

Paul Skenes praised Pittsburgh's improved offense after a 16-5 win over Washington, and the team has scored 38 runs across his first four starts in 2026.

Paul Skenes praised the Pittsburgh Pirates' improved offense after a 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals. The club produced a 10-run sixth inning that ended Skenes' night after six strong innings. Pittsburgh rebuilt its lineup in the offseason and has moved from last in runs, homers and RBI in 2025 to being among the top 10 in those categories in 2026. That added run support has eased the pressure Skenes felt last year when the club often scored three runs or fewer in his starts. Key details: - Pittsburgh beat Washington 16-5, highlighted by a 10-run sixth inning that sent 14 batters to the plate and included two pitching changes by the Nationals. - Skenes worked six innings, improved to 3-1, and gave up a 100 mph home run to C.J. Abrams but otherwise mixed his fastball and offspeed offerings effectively. - The Pirates have scored 38 runs across Skenes' first four starts in 2026, after needing 11 starts to reach that total in 2025. - Brandon Lowe, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, became the first player in franchise history with back-to-back five-RBI games and hit a three-run homer in the sixth. - Oneil Cruz extended a 12-game hitting streak with a 2-for-3, three-RBI night, including a 114 mph drive off the right-field fence. - Skenes became the fifth-fastest pitcher in major league history to reach 400 strikeouts when he struck out Luis Garcia Jr. two batters into his 59th start. Summary: The improved lineup has given Skenes more run support, which has allowed him to pitch with less pressure and to experiment with his repertoire. He reached a personal milestone with 400 career strikeouts in his 59th start, and his next scheduled start is Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays.