Cruz makes two blunders, Skenes fails to pitch one inning as Pirates lose season opener
The Pirates fell to the Mets 11-7 in Game 1.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is greeted by teammates during the pre-game ceremony prior to the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates season appeared to get off to a great start after Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer in his first Bucco at-bat. Then the bottom of the first happened.
For the first time in his career, Paul Skenes failed to pitch out of the first inning. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong for the Pirates in their 11-7 loss to the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon. Skenes allowed five runs on four hits and two walks.
He only recorded two outs and was pulled after 37 pitches. One major reason why is because of two major defensive lapses by Oneil Cruz. Leading 2-1 with the bases loaded and one out, Skenes induced a fly ball to center field off Brett Baty.
Cruz started in a few steps and misplayed what should have been the second out and a sacrifice fly. Instead, Baty cleared the bases and wound up at third. One batter later, Marcus Semien hit a fly ball to center that Cruz couldn’t find in the sun.