The Pittsburgh Pirates are taking on the Chicago Cubs on Friday and it looks like Paul Skenes is going nuclear. So much so, that he's on pace for 27 strikeouts through two innings. Just a marvelous performance to begin his young career.
Baseball fans started buzzing after Skenes struck out the first seven batters of the game. He looks on point as the Pirates star seems like he's been pro-ready all along.
Paul Skenes is on pace to strikeout 27 today …
Six batters, six strikeouts. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/obSuXLYdeq
— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2024
Furthermore, Paul Skenes made some MLB history with that two-inning performance. He's the first pitcher since 1974 to strikeout the first six batters, per Joe Block of the Pirates broadcast team.
“Paul Skenes first Pirates pitcher to strike out the first six hitters of a game, since at least 1974.”
The Pirates star has essentially taken over the league since making his debut several days ago. Paul Skenes proved to be a difference-maker in college while playing for the LSU Tigers. He dominated the minor leagues and looks to be doing the same now that he's in the majors. Pittsburgh suddenly has a superstar pitcher on the roster.
But fans just can't believe how good Paul Skenes truly is. They couldn't help but react after watching Skenes fan seven batters in the first three innings.
HES SO GOOD
— Big Baseball Fan23⚾️🏒#FireAndyHaines (@Baseball4Ever99) May 17, 2024
Where's Creed when you need them?
He'll take the team higher
— Geodre of Oron (@Geo_dre1) May 17, 2024
Please, please, please stay health Paul Skenes!
He’s gonna be a legend if his elbow stays healthy
— J 🅴 (@CamNewtonFan69) May 17, 2024
The Pirates have the opportunity to build a legitimate contender around Skenes.
Please don’t mess this up @Pirates .
Begging you #letsgobucs pic.twitter.com/HxUhLVMwEV— Cam⚫️🌕 (@KillaCam0531) May 17, 2024
Pirates 2024 season outlook with Paul Skenes

The Pirates are currently in third place of the National League Central. They still have a ways to go though if they hope to catch the first placed Milwaukee Brewers. But the good news is Paul Skenes is finally in the majors and he looks every part of being a superstar pitcher.
His ability on the mound is enough to keep the Pirates in games he starts. If that's the case then that means Pittsburgh should be a difficult opponent every five games. Mix in the games in between his starts and we could see this team get hot during the summer. The future looks bright for this organization and we should expect Paul Skenes to continue playing at a high level.