Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes has made a significant impact in his debut MLB season, garnering attention for his unique 'splinker' pitch, which he perfected after joining LSU. Skenes, selected No. 1 in the 2023 MLB Draft, has been instrumental for the Pirates, setting a franchise record with 151 strikeouts and maintaining a 2.10 ERA. Despite the Pirates' struggles in the second half of the season, Skenes remains a strong contender for National League Rookie of the Year. Another rookie, Jared Jones, showcased his talent by striking out nine in a 7-3 win over the Nationals, marking one of his best performances. The Pirates' offense was powered by home runs from Joey Bart, Andrew McCutchen, and Michael A. Taylor. As the season progresses, the Pirates aim to bolster their lineup to support their strong pitching rotation for future playoff contention.