Paul Skenes put an exclamation point on his season by finishing 2025 with six shutout innings against the Reds. He allowed four hits and no walks while striking out seven. That lowers his ERA to 1.97, the best in the majors. With a major league leading ERA and great three-true outcomes, Skenes should be a lock for his first Cy Young Award.

The Pirates lead the Reds 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning. If Pittsburgh holds on, Skenes would finish with an 11-10 record. At least he would be over .500.