Paul Skenes Delivers Dominant Performance in Second Major League Start

Pittsburgh Pirates' highly touted prospect Paul Skenes struck out 11 batters and pitched six no-hit innings in a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs, showcasing impressive command of his fastball.

Paul Skenes, the highly anticipated Pittsburgh Pirates prospect, made a resounding statement in his second major league start, delivering a dominant performance that showcased his electric fastball and pinpoint control. The 21-year-old right-hander struck out 11 batters and pitched six no-hit innings in a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Skenes' outing was a stark contrast to his uneven debut against the Cubs last weekend, where he struggled to find command of his fastball. However, on Friday, the dazzling velocity and precision of his fastball were on full display, as he consistently reached triple digits and painted the corners with pinpoint accuracy.

The California native set the tone early, striking out the first seven batters he faced, including the side in the first inning on pitches of at least 100 mph. He continued to dominate the Cubs lineup, recording five of his 11 strikeouts on pitches of at least 100 mph.

Skenes' dominance was not limited to his fastball. He also showcased a devastating slider and a splinker, a hybrid of a splitter and a sinker. The variety and effectiveness of his pitches kept the Cubs batters guessing and unable to find any rhythm at the plate.

"It's not easy to pitch ever, regardless of the circumstances," Skenes said. "But it's always easier to pitch when you have fastball command, because you have to have that. So that was the big thing today."

Skenes became the third rookie with seven strikeouts to start a game, joining Jacob deGrom in 2014 and Jim Deshaies in 1986. He also became the first rookie with an outing of at least six no-hit innings and 10-plus strikeouts since Chris Heston threw a no-hitter for San Francisco in 2015.

The Pirates selected Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's amateur draft after he helped LSU win the national championship. He quickly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh and his performance on Friday only heightened the excitement surrounding his future.

"He used all of his pitches," Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. "He used his fastball. He used the sinker. He used the slider. The fact that he was able to go back and forth, and then go back to the fastball when he needed it, and when you go back to a fastball and it's 100, it kind of changes the dynamic a little bit."

Skenes' stellar outing is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the Pirates' belief in his potential. It is a performance that has not only catapulted him into the spotlight but has also given Pirates fans a glimpse of the bright future that lies ahead for their young ace.