Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes struggled on Thursday, allowing a career-high three home runs and tying his career high in walks as the team fell 8-3 to the Chicago Cubs. The loss was Skenes’ first this season at PNC Park, where he’s been expected to excel. Despite being in control early, Skenes allowed hard contact and struggled with command, throwing a season-low 86 pitches in five innings. The Cubs took advantage of Skenes’ struggles, including two solo home runs from Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki, to take the lead. With the Pirates trailing 3-2 entering the fifth inning, manager Don Kelly opted to bring in reliever Porter Hodge, citing Skenes’ lackluster performance. The Cubs ultimately scored four more runs in the ninth to seal the win, spoiling Skenes’ chances of a strong outing.
Source: https://triblive.com/sports/paul-skenes-struggles-allowing-career-high-3-homers-as-pirates-drop-series-to-cubs