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Paul Skenes struggles with control as Pirates top Tigers 4-3

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 9:32 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Paul Skenes struggles with control as Pirates top Tigers 4-3

Summary

Paul Skenes faced challenges in his latest outing, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on four hits in a 4-3 victory over the Tigers. Skenes' ERA has climbed to 3.95, significantly higher than his early career mark of 1.96. He issued a season-high tying four walks and struck out five while struggling with pitch command. Despite recent struggles, he remains among the league leaders in strikeouts with 171. The Pirates secured the win with late home runs from Rafael Flores Jr. and Brandon Lowe, marking their second victory this season when trailing after eight innings.

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By the Numbers

•Paul Skenes allowed three runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings.
•His ERA increased to 3.95, up from 1.96 this season.
•Skenes issued four walks and recorded five strikeouts.
•The Pirates won 4-3 against the Tigers, scoring late in the game.
•Rafael Flores Jr. and Brandon Lowe hit crucial home runs in the ninth.

Latest Updates

9:32 PMYahoo Sports — Paul Skenes has fallen back to earth in 2026. The Pirates ace is intent on staying the course

What they're saying

"
Paul Skenes insists he has had stretches during his still-burgeoning career when he has had to grit his teeth and grind through it. Spending two seasons doing things few pitchers in the history of the game have done — as Skenes did while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the NL Cy Young in 2025 with a dazzling arsenal that was frequently unhittable — has a way of raising expectations. At least not as easy as Skenes has made it look so often since his electrifying arrival.
— Yahoo Sportsby WILL GRAVES

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