It was a weekend of up and downs for the Pirates.
2023 #1 overall draft pick Paul Skenes made his debut in front of nearly 35,000 fans on Saturday afternoon. It likely would’ve been a sellout if the weather wasn’t so questionable.
Skenes wasn’t perfect by any stretch. He looked just a little over excited, throwing five pitches over 100 mph while facing the first batter of the game.
But, Skenes did strike out seven and reached over 101 mph, impressive the fans during his over four innings of work.
After that, the bullpen did something that hasn’t been done in 65 years. Pirates pitches walked six Cubs in the 5th inning, one that included a 2-hour and 20 minute rain delay.
They watched a 6-1 lead turn into an 8-6 deficit.
The Pirates would go on to win Saturday’s game, 10-9.
Sunday was another frustrating day for Pirates fans. The Bucs had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth.
The bases were loaded with one out in the bottom of the ninth and both Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz had a chance to win it but Reynolds’ grounded out and Cruz flew out.
The Cubs scored 3 in the top of the 10th to take a 5-2 lead and Connor Joe’s two-run shot in the bottom of the inning wasn’t enough.
After Friday’s loss, Saturday’s collapse that luckily was a win and Sunday’s disappointment, it was too much for one caller into the postgame show on Sunday.
“This team is bad and it’s embarrassing and I’m screaming on Mother’s Day and I hate it,” said caller Daryl to Dan Zangrilli
Daryl aimed his frustrations mainly at hitting coach Andy Haines, who much like former offensive coordinator for the Steelers, Matt Canada, has become the scapegoat for fans and their frustrations.
“I don’t know what a hitting coach has to do to get fired before 50 games, but if you want to find out, watch the 2024 Pirates,” said Daryl.
He also took aim at Andrew McCutchen and pitcher Aroldis Chapman.
Listen to clip below.