Skenes Flirts with No-Hitter as Pirates Defeat Padres

Reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes dominates San Diego lineup

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:21am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the intense motion and power of a baseball pitcher's delivery, with the player's features obscured by the expressive brushwork.Skenes' dominant pitching performance leaves the Padres offense powerless to stop the Pirates' onslaught.Today in Pittsburgh

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes delivered another impressive outing, keeping the San Diego Padres hitless until the sixth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates cruised to a 7-1 victory on Tuesday night.

Why it matters

Skenes' strong start is an encouraging sign for the Pirates, who are looking to build on last season's success and contend in the NL Central. The Padres, meanwhile, will need to find a way to solve Skenes if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Skenes (2-1) was dominant throughout much of the game, striking out 9 batters and allowing just 1 run on 2 hits over 6 innings of work. The Padres finally broke up the no-hit bid in the 6th inning, but by then the Pirates had already built a comfortable lead.

  • Skenes kept the Padres hitless until the 6th inning on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Paul Skenes

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, Skenes is off to a strong start for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The National League baseball team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

San Diego Padres

The National League baseball team based in San Diego, California.

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What they’re saying

“Paul Skenes was absolutely dominant tonight. When he's on his game like that, he's one of the toughest pitchers in the league to face.”

— Bryan Reynolds, Pirates Outfielder

What’s next

The Pirates and Padres will face off again on Wednesday, April 9th, as the two teams continue their series.

The takeaway

Skenes' strong start is a positive sign for the Pirates, who will need their ace to continue pitching at a high level if they hope to contend in the NL Central. The Padres, meanwhile, will need to find a way to solve Skenes if they want to avoid being swept in the series.