MLB : Skenes: Team USA Must Assert 'Dominance' At WBC, Winning Gold 'The Biggest Thing'

Paul Skenes, National League Cy Young Award winner, struggles in his first spring training start for Pittsburgh. He strikes out four but walks four over 2 1/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves. Skenes faces 12 batters, allowing one hit and one run. The Braves successfully overturn four calls on strikes, including a pitch just off the plate. "Winning gold is the biggest thing," Skenes states, emphasizing Team USA's need to assert dominance at the World Baseball Classic. He throws 27 strikes out of 53 pitches, with fastballs consistently hitting the upper 90s. Matt Olson and Jurickson Profar both challenge called strikes, resulting in walks. Austin Riley and Ronald Acuna also seek reviews on pitches, illustrating the challenges Skenes faces. This outing is likely Skenes' final appearance for Pittsburgh before joining Team USA.