In Scottsdale, Arizona, Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes took the mound for Team USA during an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants as part of their preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Despite currently being away from the Pirates, the 23-year-old demonstrated why he is considered a top-tier ace by striking out four batters over three innings, allowing only one run.
Skenes faced some early adversity with a leadoff double by Giants shortstop Willy Adames, but quickly regained control, retiring the next nine hitters. His performance signals Team USA’s reliance on him as a key figure in their quest for the gold medal in this premier international baseball event.
Detailed Look at Skenes’ Performance Against the Giants
After conceding a double to Adames to start, Skenes efficiently worked through the first inning. He secured back-to-back ground outs from Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey, which allowed Adames to score, and then recorded a strikeout against Victor Bericoto with a blazing 99.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch he threw during the outing.
In the second inning, Skenes threw 13 pitches, resulting in consecutive fly outs from left fielder Will Brennan and right fielder Grant McCray, both induced by fastballs. He then struck out second baseman Christian Koss with a well-placed sweeper pitch.
During the third inning, Skenes narrowly avoided giving up a home run to Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge, whose blast traveled 396 feet but was caught by Team USA center fielder Bryce Buxton. Skenes later struck out center fielder Jared Oliva after a six-pitch battle, capped by a splitter, and finished the inning by inducing a strikeout from Adames on consecutive fastballs.
Analyzing Skenes’ Pitch Selection and Velocity
Over the course of his 40-pitch outing, half were four-seam fastballs, totaling 20, with speed ranging from 96.2 to 99.7 mph. His fastball velocity notably improved from an earlier spring training start against the Atlanta Braves on February 25.
Beyond fastballs, Skenes mixed in six curveballs, with four being balls, alongside changeups, sinkers, sweepers, and splitters. He did not rely on his slider during this appearance. The breakdown of his pitches is as follows:
- Four-Seam Fastball: 20 pitches (17 strikes, 3 balls), 96.2-99.7 mph
- Curveball: 6 pitches (2 strikes, 4 balls), 83.1-85.2 mph
- Changeup: 4 pitches (3 strikes, 1 ball), 88.6-90.4 mph
- Sinker: 4 pitches (2 strikes, 2 balls), 97-97.9 mph
- Sweeper: 4 strikes, 83.4-85.5 mph
- Splitter: 2 strikes, 94.4-94.7 mph
Skenes’ decision to use the curveball frequently but with mixed results demonstrates his willingness to challenge hitters. His solid velocity on offspeed pitches like the sinker, changeup, and sweeper also contributed to keeping the Giants off balance.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
Paul Skenes is scheduled to start for Team USA in their critical Pool Play game against rival Team Mexico on March 9 at Daikin Park, the home field of the Houston Astros. His strong initial showing against the Giants boosts optimism that he can maintain high fastball velocity and continue to perform well against Mexico’s lineup.
Team USA is counting on Skenes’ arm to help propel them toward another World Baseball Classic championship. His ability to blend power pitching with effective offspeed offerings will be essential as the tournament progresses.
Paul Skenes struck out 4 in 3 innings for Team USA 🏆#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/SNYrHmCU1k
?World Baseball Classic Official Twitter
Paul Skenes struck out 4 in 3 innings for Team USA ⛽️#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/SNYrHmCU1k
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 3, 2026
