Pirates rookie Paul Skenes hits triple digits routinely, strikes out 7 in big league debut vs. Cubs
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes made an impressive big league debut, striking out seven in four-plus innings against the Chicago Cubs
By Will Graves
Published - May 11, 2024, 06:21 PM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 12:59 AM EDT
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The moment hardly looked too big for Paul Skenes.
The top-ranked pitching prospect in baseball had a promising major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates, working into the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday while offering a glimpse of what may be to come.
Skenes was charged with three runs in four-plus innings. He struck out seven, throwing 17 pitches of 100 mph or more. He also walked two and gave up a homer to Nico Hoerner in the fourth that just reached the first row of bleachers beyond the left-field wall.
As he walked off the field, the mustachioed 21-year-old received a loud ovation from a near-sellout crowd that included his more-famous girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne.
