Skenes is first Pirates starter with consecutive 200-K seasons in 60 years

PITTSBURGH — A year ago, Paul Skenes was on top of the world. In his final start of 2025, also on Sept. 24, Skenes put the finishing touches on a National League Cy Young campaign, going four scoreless to keep his ERA under 2.00 for the year. Fast forward a season later, on the same date, Skenes fought to keep his ERA under 4.00 in his final start. Skenes finished a bumpy 2026 on a positive note, allowing one run in 6 1/3 innings in the Pirates’ 2-1 win over the Cardinals in Thursday afternoon’s home finale at PNC Park.…