Skenes Sets Pirates Franchise Record in Final 2025 Start
Seven strikeouts, a 1.97 ERA and 216 total in the year cap a record-setting season for the Pirates' right-hander as Pittsburgh defeats Cincinnati in 11 innings.
Paul Skenes capped the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2025 season by setting a franchise record for strikeouts in a year by a right-handed pitcher, finishing with a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts. Pittsburgh defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 in 11 innings at Great American Ball Park in his final scheduled start.
In the game, the Pirates’ ace limited Cincinnati to four hits and did not allow a run while tallying seven strikeouts. The milestone was announced during the game as Skenes closed out a breakout season that already had him among the franchise's best in modern times. He finished with 216 strikeouts and a 1.97 ERA, numbers that set a new standard for a Pirates right-hander. He became the first qualified Pirates pitcher to post an ERA under 2.00 since Justin Verlander accomplished the feat in 2022, and he is the youngest to reach the sub-2.00 ERA since Dwight Gooden did in 1985. Through his first 55 major league starts, Skenes's 1.97 ERA stands as the second-best mark for a Pirates pitcher since Wilbur Cooper posted a 1.87 ERA in 1916.
"There's going to be a lot of records that Paul Skenes will have as he continues to go throughout his career. How he prepares. How he competes. What a start today and what a season he's had," Pirates manager Don Kelly said. "How he prepares. How he competes. What a start today and what a season he's had."
"I'm actually worse than I was last year," Skenes said. "It was 1.96 last year. I'm 1.97 this year. Just got to be better. No, it's cool. I don't come into the year with any numerical goals."
The Pirates' season has had its rough patches, but the late surge from Skenes provided a bright spot and a reminder of the franchise's potential. His sub-2.00 ERA marks are among the best in the modern era for Pirates pitchers, underscoring why he is viewed as a cornerstone for the club's rebuilding effort. The accomplishment comes as the Pirates look ahead to further development and the possibility of sustained success around a young, elite arm.
As Pittsburgh closes the 2025 campaign, Skenes' performance stands out as a defining moment for the season and a potential springboard for the next chapters of the Pirates' pursuit of contention.