Pirates Crush Nationals Behind Skenes' Gem

Pittsburgh scores 16 runs to back strong outing from rookie pitcher

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals, with the players' movements and the field of play abstracted into a cubist composition.The Pirates' offensive onslaught and Skenes' dominant pitching performance are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the game action.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates scored 16 runs to rout the Washington Nationals 16-5 in the series opener at PNC Park. Rookie right-hander Paul Skenes pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit, to earn the win. The Pirates' offense exploded, led by a three-run homer from Brandon Lowe and a bases-clearing triple from Bryan Reynolds.

Why it matters

The Pirates' offensive outburst and Skenes' dominant performance are a promising sign for the team, which sits atop the NL Central division. The win also continues the Nationals' struggles, as they fall further behind in the playoff race.

The details

The Pirates jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the second inning, then continued to pile on the runs. Spencer Horwitz hit a solo home run in the third, and Reynolds' triple highlighted a five-run sixth inning that blew the game open. Lowe's three-run shot in the seventh put the game out of reach. Skenes was efficient, needing just 87 pitches to get through six innings, and the Pirates' bullpen closed out the win.

  • The Pirates last scored 16 runs in a win on April 29, 2023.
  • The last time the Pirates scored 16 runs in a game was in an August 1, 2025 loss to the Rockies.

The players

Paul Skenes

The Pirates' rookie right-handed pitcher, who earned the win after allowing just one run on one hit over six strong innings.

Brandon Lowe

The Pirates' second baseman, who hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to extend the team's lead.

Bryan Reynolds

The Pirates' designated hitter, who hit a bases-clearing triple in the sixth inning as part of a five-run frame.

Cade Cavalli

The Nationals' starting pitcher, who was chased from the game after just 1.1 innings as the Pirates jumped out to an early lead.

CJ Abrams

The Nationals' shortstop, who hit a solo home run in the first inning for the Nationals' only run against Skenes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We just came out swinging the bats tonight. It was great to see the offense clicking like that and give Paul some run support.”

— Brandon Lowe, Pirates Second Baseman

“Skenes was dominant out there. We couldn't figure him out at all. Hats off to him and the Pirates, they really took it to us tonight.”

— CJ Abrams, Nationals Shortstop

What’s next

The Pirates will look to continue their hot streak and extend their lead in the NL Central when they face the Nationals again on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Pirates' offensive explosion and Skenes' strong outing are a promising sign for the team as they aim to maintain their position atop the division. The Nationals, meanwhile, will need to regroup after this lopsided loss.