Why Paul Skenes blames the World Baseball Classic for decreased velocity as Pirates ace wraps up down season

Getty Images Despite an active offseason and a busy trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates were officially eliminated from postseason contention this past weekend. At 79-77, they have a chance to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2018, but that is the smallest of consolations. The Pirates made moves intending to contend this year, but missed the postseason. One reason — maybe the biggest reason, but not the only reason — that the Pirates missed the postseason is a down year by reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. A down year that included some outright bad stretches.…