Breaking news: Paul Skenes sends a strong warning to Andrew McCutchen after the Nationals game.

Paul Skenes recognizes Andrew McCutchen’s value to the Pirates.

The Pirates burst for their finest offensive performance of the season Monday night, blowing over the Nationals 10-3 at PNC Park behind a solid showing from last year’s NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Though several players speculated that Andrew McCutchen’s new necklace may have ignited the offensive outburst, it was more than just the victory that had the clubhouse in a frenzy.

After the game, Skenes said, “That’s the blueprint,” in reference to McCutchen’s influence on the Pirates. It’s very amazing how a city can accept you. Looking at him and seeing the legacy he has, the way the community welcomes him, it’s quite inspiring.”

For the Pittsburgh Pirates’ series opener against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park, Andrew McCutchen’s health was in doubt. For the third time in seven games, he was not present for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates broke their three-game losing streak against the Nationals, and McCutchen, who has a.257 slugging percentage this season and is hitting.400, looks to be transitioning into a part-time position.

Andrew McCutchen’s Pirates necklaces

McCutchen requested a supply in black and gold from his buddies at Phiten, who produce baseball-style rope necklaces. The Pirates ended their three-game losing streak ten runs after he gave them to the team prior to the game.

After overcoming the most difficult performance of his early career, Paul Skenes and catcher Henry Davis created history. In MLB history, the pair became the first pitcher-catcher combination composed of past first overall choices. Skenes, who was chosen first overall in 2023, helped end the Pirates’ three-game losing streak by striking out six batters in six solid innings while giving up only two runs, one of which was earned.

In the first inning, Ke’Bryan Hayes singled in Andrew McCutchen, giving the Pirates (6-11) an early lead. After Oneil Cruz doubled two innings later, Bryan Reynolds drove in an RBI single to increase the margin to 2-0.

Paul Skenes recovering
Skenes, 22, had little issue against the Nationals after struggling with a career-worst five runs allowed in a defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals last week. Only Pittsburgh’s defense, including his own, posed a serious threat. In the sixth inning, Skenes let up an unearned run after making two mistakes on mishandled pickoff attempts.

After a difficult start to the season that was marred by errors on and off the field, the Pirates had jumped out to a commanding lead at that point. With two singles and two runs scored while hitting leadoff, Oneil Cruz ignited the attack.

Bryan Reynolds drove in two runs, while Ke’Bryan Hayes and Enmanuel Valdez both knocked in three. In the sixth inning, Andrew McCutchen added a hit and made an incredible sliding grab in right field, falling to the PNC Park grass to deny Keibert Ruiz a hit.

Valdez singled home two of the Pirates’ three runs in the fifth inning. The Pirates started Monday ranked 25th in the majors in terms of runs scored, setting a season-high of 10 runs.

Jake Irvin (0-0, 5.63 ERA) of the Nationals will face Mitch Keller of the Pirates on Tuesday in the series finale.