It’s a rare occasion when Paul Skenes takes the mound and isn’t the major storyline. But Friday afternoon in Chicago fit that bill, as Skenes pitched only five frames, tying a season low, in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2-1 win in 10 innings over the Cubs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants will break a National League West deadlock on Saturday night, when they play the second in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium.

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates star Andrew McCutchen has hit thousands of baseballs in his career, but has noted a difference in it this season. McCutchen reacted to a video on Twitter, showing New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto just missing a home run at Citi Field and noted that the MLB may use 'deadballs.