Then came Sunday: the Phillies' first chance to see Abel on a major-league mound, and their first chance to face Skenes since his own call-up last summer and ensuing meteoric rise. The Phillies prevailed in a memorable pitcher's duel, 1-0.

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are both coming off rest days ahead of this matchup. The Pirates earned a 4-0 win over the Mets to avoid the sweep in their last outing, while the Phillies dropped a 14-7 barnburner to the Cardinals. Pittsburgh is 3-10 since the start of May, while Philly is 8-5.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies MLB game to be played on May 18, 2025 on ESPN.