Skenes K's Seven in Debut as Pirates' Phenom Exceeds 100 MPH Seventeen Times
Paul Skenes led the charge onto the diamond at PNC Park on Saturday afternoon, marking his debut moment as his teammates gradually joined him in the infield. The highly anticipated pitching phenom of his generation showcased his talent against the Cubs, striking out seven batters.
Facing Mike Tauchman in his first at-bat, Skenes unleashed his power arsenal, delivering five triple-digit fastballs for a swinging strikeout. Throughout the game, he consistently brought the heat, with 17 pitches surpassing the 100 mph mark, including six reaching speeds of 101 mph or higher. Prior to Skenes' debut, the Pirates had seen only two pitches thrown by a starter clocked at 101 mph or higher since 2008.
Skenes' performance extended beyond his fastball prowess. He garnered seven whiffs with his new "splinker" splitter-sinker hybrid and induced six called strikes with his slider. Despite allowing three runs on six hits, two walks, and a hit batter over four-plus innings, Skenes demonstrated his resilience, notably pitching out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning.
His debut wasn't without its challenges, as he surrendered a solo home run to Nico Hoerner in the fourth inning and was charged with two more runs in the fifth before being relieved as rain halted play. Ultimately, Skenes' debut showcased glimpses of his potential to become a dominant force on the mound for the Pirates.