Can Paul Skenes Get Pirates Back on Track vs Cubs?

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered their three-game series with the Chicago Cubs feeling great, coming off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox.

Pittsburgh had won five of their last six games, while going 11-4 over their last 15 contests overall. The Pirates were starting to look like a team that could go on a late-season run to reach the playoffs.

But all that momentum was halted in the opener against the Cubs, with the Pirates falling 12-2. Pittsburgh jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before the Cubs rallied off nine runs in a row

Luckily for the Pirates, it was just one game. But at this point in the season, every game matters just a little bit more.

Now, heading into the second game of the series, Pittsburgh will be turning to ace Paul Skenes to right the ship. Skenes has looked a lot more like his normal self lately, following a weird stretch of games.

In July, Skenes recorded a 6.25 ERA over six starts, leading to all sorts of questions around the ace. But he has settled down, posting a 3.10 ERA in August.

In his last outing Skenes went 5.1 innings without allowing a run, only giving up four hits to the Los Angeles Angels. This marked the second time in his last three starts where Skenes didn't allow a run.

Overall, the right-hander has put together a solid season, posting a 3.83 ERA over 29 starts. While his ERA is up from his previous two years, Skenes remains an effective pitcher that the Pirates can count on.

The Pirates are now turning to Skenes to help them get back in the win column, and the pressure will be on. Skenes has faced the Cubs two times this year already, with the right-hander putting together two vastly different outcomes.

Here are Skenes' numbers from the two starts:

May 28: 5.1 innings, one earned run (three runs allowed), four hits, three walks, and 10 strikeouts

July 25: 5.1 innings, five earned runs, six hits, two walks, and 11 strikeouts

Skenes has been able to punch out batters from the Cubs in both games, but the runs are a little concerning. If the right-hander can't shut the Chicago offense down today, the Pirates will need to match the runs themsevles.

This will be a big game for the Pirates as they try to keep pace in the National League wild-card race. But Pittsburgh wouldn't want to turn to anyone else, with Skenes being the best pitcher for the job heading into the game today.