Paul Skenes has a 2.06 ERA. I haven't heard of a Pirates starter with an ERA that low since Vic Willis and he pitched at the turn of the century - the 20th century.

Unlike many other heralded rookies, Skenes is more than living up to the hype. He just might be the best pitcher in baseball.

Skenes has given up only three earned runs during his last four starts spanning 25 1/3 innings. He has 32 strikeouts during this span and 70 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings.

The Pirates are 6-3 in Skenes' starts. The Mets just were held to zero runs and one hit by the Nationals on Thursday.

The Mets have the highest payroll in baseball. The Pirates have the second-lowest payroll in the majors. Despite that, the Pirates have just one fewer victory than the Mets.

Luis Severino gets the start for the Mets. He's having a good bounce back season, but is not the star pitcher he was with the Yankees. Severino's road ERA is 4.19 and he has a 4.66 ERA in his last three starts. The beleaguered Mets' bullpen remains without suspended closer Edwin Diaz.