### Cardinals Overcome Struggles with Victory Against Pirates, Skenes Faces Setback The St. Louis Cardinals managed to break a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 9, 2025. This win was significant for the Cardinals, who had been struggling in the early part of the season. Victor Scott II and Brendan Donovan were key contributors, each recording two hits and driving in three runs. The game marked a rough outing for Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who allowed a career-high five runs, leading to his first loss of the season. Despite this setback, Skenes remains a promising talent in the league, having previously shown strong performances. ### Breakdown of the Game and Player Performances 1. **Game Overview** - The Cardinals defeated the Pirates 5-3, ending their losing streak. - Key players for the Cardinals included Victor Scott II and Brendan Donovan, who combined for three RBIs [https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/cardinals-tag-paul-skenes-five-runs-win-over-pirates-2025-04-09]. 2. **Paul Skenes' Performance** - Skenes allowed five runs over six innings, marking the worst outing of his young career. - He recorded seven strikeouts but also gave up six hits, including a two-run triple to Scott II [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/pirates_ace_paul_skenes_endures_uncharacteristic_rough_outing_in_loss/s1_13132_42024876]. 3. **Impact on Team Standings** - The loss kept the Pirates in last place in the National League Central, with Skenes' record now at 1-1 and an ERA that rose from 1.46 to 3.44 [https://www.wgal.com/article/sports-pirates-ace-paul-skenes-allows-career-worst-five-runs-loss-st-louis/64425436]. ### Key Statistics and Data Points - **Cardinals' Performance** - Total Runs: 5 - Key Contributors: Victor Scott II (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Brendan Donovan (2 hits, 1 RBI) [https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/cardinals-tag-paul-skenes-five-runs-win-over-pirates-2025-04-09]. - **Paul Skenes' Statistics** - Innings Pitched: 6 - Runs Allowed: 5 (career-high) - Strikeouts: 7 - Hits Allowed: 6 - ERA: Increased from 1.46 to 3.44 [https://www.apnews.com/article/skenes-pirates-939359ef1c51b3b177908477e3c0c9be]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Cardinals and a Learning Experience for Skenes In summary, the Cardinals' victory over the Pirates not only halted their losing streak but also showcased the potential of their key players. **Paul Skenes' performance, while disappointing, serves as a reminder of the challenges young pitchers face in the major leagues.** 1. The Cardinals capitalized on Skenes' struggles to secure a much-needed win. 2. Skenes, despite the setback, remains a valuable asset for the Pirates moving forward. 3. The game highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball, where even top performers can have off nights [https://www.si.com/mlb/pirates/news/pittsburgh-pirates-struggle-loss-st-louis-cardinals].