Friday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs featured the second career start from 21-year-old rookie starting pitcher Paul Skenes, who naturally came into the MLB with a ton of hype after rocketing up the Pirates farm system this spring. Fortunately for Pirates fans, Skenes delivered a treat to the fans watching the game that they will not soon forget.
It is incredibly rare to see someone like Skenes go from Low-A ball to the major leagues in under a year. But Skenes’ talent was simply too much for the Pirates to ignore.
Skenes’ first start, which also came against the Cubs, was largely a mixed bag, as he showed off his upside with seven strikeouts. But also showed his limitations, allowing three runs on six hits by the Cubs.
His start on Friday was something entirely different, dominating the Cubs offense in a way that shows he can truly be one of the best pitchers in baseball in the foreseeable future.
In six innings, Skenes struck out 11 batters and allowed no hits, while allowing only one baserunner thanks to a walk allowed. It was perhaps more impressive to see just how overpowering his stuff was throughout the start, dominating Cubs hitters all day long with his fastball that reached triple digits with ease.
The Cubs sport a top-10 offense in all of baseball in terms of runs this season. So for Skenes to completely shut them down in this fashion in his second career start is nothing short of outstanding.
It will certainly be fun to watch the former LSU star as he progresses throughout his rookie season. If he can do more of what he did on Friday, Pirates fans would certainly be pleased.
[MLB on X]