Skenes and Davis Make Quiet History as Pirates Top Nationals

When Paul Skenes and Henry Davis were selected first overall in back-to-back MLB drafts, the idea of them forming a historic battery in Pittsburgh felt like destiny. That milestone finally came Monday night during the Pirates’ 10-3 win over the Washington Nationals, though the moment itself arrived with little fanfare.

“All records are meant to be broken, right?” said Skenes. “It’s cool.”

Cool and perhaps overdue.

Skenes, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, has been a revelation since his debut 11 months ago. Davis, taken first in 2021, has had a more turbulent journey. That contrast made Monday’s pairing the first battery of No. 1 picks in MLB history — though it came almost by accident.

Originally left out of the starting lineup, Davis was called into action in the first inning after Endy Rodriguez exited with a finger injury. Davis quickly suited up and reviewed Skenes’ pitch plan, something he’s done many times before — but never on a major league field.

Their chemistry showed. Skenes was dominant, allowing just one run over six innings while striking out seven. He retired 15 of 16 batters during one stretch and got the better of his former LSU teammate Dylan Crews twice, earning short-term bragging rights.

“He can call a game,” Skenes said of Davis. “He was prepared. That’s no surprise. I’ve been with him for most of the past two years. He stepped into a tough spot and handled it really well.”

Preparation has never been Davis’ issue. The 24-year-old catcher is known for his work ethic, but results have been elusive. Entering Monday, Davis was batting just .188 in 101 career games, and his struggle to establish himself reflects a broader problem in Pittsburgh — the inability to consistently develop homegrown position players.

Of the nine starters in Monday’s lineup, only three were drafted or signed and developed by the Pirates. Two — Andrew McCutchen and Adam Frazier — are in their second stints with the club.

Skenes noted that teammates don’t see Davis as a typical "1-1" — baseball shorthand for a first overall pick — referencing Davis’ humble, understated demeanor.

That contrast was on display postgame. Skenes, in a suit, addressed reporters confidently. He even joked about avoiding a collision at third base by channeling his gymnast girlfriend, LSU star Livvy Dunne. Davis, meanwhile, emerged quietly in casual attire, McCutchen’s gifted necklace still around his neck.

“I was just ready,” Davis said. “That’s what you have to do as a catcher. You might be called in at any time.”

Davis executed the task Monday. The bigger challenge lies ahead: seizing the opportunity created by injuries to Joey Bart and Rodriguez, and proving he belongs as a long-term part of the Pirates’ core.

With the team struggling and pressure mounting on both general manager Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton, Davis’ development — or lack thereof — looms large.

“It was cool to get the opportunity,” Davis said. “Glad we got a win. That’s what matters.”