How Paul Skenes' nightmarish Opening Day stat line compares to worst starts of MLB career

Paul Skenes hasn’t received many national broadcast appearances early in his MLB career, but Opening Day offered him a chance to show what he could do in front of a major audience.

It didn’t last long.

Skenes failed to make it through the first inning in his start against the Mets on Thursday, getting knocked around by a new-look New York lineup at Citi Field.

The day started well for the Pirates, as Brandon Lowe hit MLB’s first home run of the season to give Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead, but that lead evaporated and more before Skenes was pulled.

Here’s a look at Skenes’ stats from a difficult Opening Day start in Queens.

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Paul Skenes Opening Day stats

Skenes was pulled after a rough 0.2 innings on Thursday:

• IP: 0.2
• H: 4
• ER: 5
• R: 5
• BB: 2
• K: 1

The Mets plated five runs on four hits against Skenes, who opened the day by walking Francisco Lindor and giving up a single to Juan Soto. Skenes didn't give up a home run, but the big blow came off the bat of Brett Baty, who lined a 3-run triple to centerfield.

Oneil Cruz didn't read the ball well off Baty's bat, but it wasn't in the realm of an error and all three runs were charged to Skenes. An RBI double from Marcus Semien added a fifth run to Skenes' line, and he was removed after hitting Francisco Alvarez with a pitch.

The start was the worst of Skenes' career. He has allowed five earned runs in a start only once before, but he lasted six innings in that outing that also came in the early weeks of the season. 

Despite coming out of the game early, there is no indication Skenes is dealing with an injury.