Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, had a disastrous start to the 2026 MLB season. Skenes failed to make it out of the first inning against the New York Mets, leaving the game after a five-run first inning.
Manager Don Kelly pulled Skenes after just two-thirds of an inning, where he allowed five runs on four hits and two walks. His performance resulted in an inflated 67.50 ERA to start the year.
The trouble began when Juan Soto’s single allowed Francisco Lindor to reach third base. Bo Bichett’s sacrifice fly made it 2-1. Things worsened with Jorge Polanco reaching base on a throwing error, and Luis Robert Jr. drawing a walk to load the bases.
Brett Baty then hit a deep center field ball that center fielder O'Neil Cruz misplayed, allowing three runs to score. Marcus Semien added another run with a hit that Cruz failed to catch due to the sun.
After hitting catcher Francisco Alvarez, Kelly removed Skenes after 37 pitches. The early exit was cited as pitch count related, given the start of the season and Skenes' recent workload in the World Baseball Classic.
Despite his career 1.96 ERA across 55 starts, Skenes faced an opening day to forget in Queens.
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in New York, New York. (Dustin Satloff/MLB Photos)
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks off the field after being taken out of the game during the first inning against the New York Mets on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Ishika Samant/Getty Images)