The best photos from Paul Skenes' first MLB start with Pittsburgh Pirates (2024)

Tyler Nettuno

May 11, 2024 5:08 pm CT

After tearing up the Triple-A ranks to begin the 2024 season, Paul Skenes finally made his Major League debut on Saturday.

The former first overall pick in the 2023 draft for the Pittsburgh Pirates and top pitching prospect in baseball was called up to The Show to make his first start against the Chicago Cubs.

With his girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, in attendance, Skenes had an overall encouraging start. He only lasted four innings as he was pulled after allowing the first two to reach in the fifth, but he ultimately struck out six batters with two walks while allowing six hits and three runs, one of which came on a homer.

Despite an up-and-down showing, he left the Pirates with a 6-4 lead, though he wasn’t eligible for the win as he didn’t pitch five innings.

With Skenes’ first start now under his belt, here are the best photos from the outing.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) takes the field…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) takes the field to make his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks to the bullpen…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks to the bullpen to warmup before making his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks in from the…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks in from the bullpen before making his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) attends as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) attends as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) makes his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs beat PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks in from the…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks in from the bullpen before making his major league debut before the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the third inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in…

Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) watches as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of…

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) watches as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) makes his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs beat PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) heads to the…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) heads to the bullpen to warm up before making his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) heads to the…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) heads to the…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (right) reacts as her…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (right) reacts as her boyfriend Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (not pictured) is introduced in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (middle) waves to fans…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (middle) waves to fans before her boyfriend Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (not pictured) is introduced in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (right) reacts as her…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks in from…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks in from the bullpen to make his major league debut alongside catcher Yasmani Grandal (6) against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks in from…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks in from…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch…

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch…

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch…

The best photos from Paul Skenes' first MLB start with Pittsburgh Pirates (2024)

FAQs

How did Paul Skenes do in his first MLB game? ›

He reached triple digits 17 times in his debut -- the most 100-plus mph pitches thrown by any starting pitcher in a game this season -- including K's at 101.2 mph and 100.9 mph. Between the Majors and Minors this season, Skenes has now hit triple digits 10 or more times in six of his eight starts.

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How many pitches did Skenes throw? ›

Skenes left this one after 100 pitches, and while it was unlikely he'd find nine more outs in that arm, he did throw between 116 and 124 pitches in four of his final six starts at LSU.

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Is Paul Skenes a starting pitcher? ›

The No. 1 overall pick from last summer's loaded MLB draft has wowed the baseball world with his mound presence and electric stuff, throwing 29 pitches at 100 mph or faster -- already the most by any starter this season. Just two starts into his big league career, Skenes' outings have become must-watch events.

Learn More Now ›

Was Paul Skenes called up? ›

The Pirates called up the 21-year-old pitcher from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, the team announced in a video posted to social media. Skenes' highly anticipated big league debut is set for Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.

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Who was the first MLB player to throw a no hitter? ›

The first no-hitter officially recognized by MLB was pitched by George Bradley on July 15, 1876, during the first season of play in the National League. The most recent major league no-hitter was thrown by Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2024.

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How many pitchers throw 100 mph? ›

Throwing 100MPH is the goal of many baseball players, pitchers and position players alike. 100 MPH is a tremendous goal, but to be realistic, on average less than 10 MLB pitchers touch 100MPH per season.

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How fast is Paul Skenes' slider? ›

Skenes touched at least 100 MPH on the radar gun 17 times and made Cubs hitters look foolish with his hybrid, splitter-sinker pitch, called a "splinker."

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Has a pitcher ever thrown a 27 pitch game? ›

Gallatin, Pennsylvania, U.S. Necciai is best remembered for the unique feat of striking out 27 batters in a nine-inning game, which he accomplished while playing with the Class-D Appalachian League team, the Bristol Twins, on May 13, 1952. He is the only pitcher ever to do so in a nine-inning, professional-league game.

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What size shoe does Paul Skenes wear? ›

Paul Skenes shoe size

Per a dugout interview with ESPN's Karl Ravech, Skenes wears a size 15 shoe.

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Does Paul Skenes have to serve? ›

After the second year of college, Skenes would have had to enlist, meaning he would need to delay any potential MLB career until after he completed his military service. This was the reason for his transfer to LSU. But it would appear that, for Skenes, this transfer was not the end of his military dream.

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What are some fun facts about Paul Skenes? ›

Skenes showcased his impressive velocity all game long. In fact, six of his 11 strikeouts on the day were on pitches 100 mph or faster. That tied Skenes with the Reds' Hunter Greene for the third-most 100+ mph K's in a game during the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), behind only two other performances by Greene.

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Where is Paul Skenes from? ›

Early life. Paul David Skenes was born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California, to Craig, a pharmaceuticals company employee, and Karen, a homemaker. Two of Skenes' uncles served in the United States Navy while another served in the Coast Guard.

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How long is Paul Skenes' contract? ›

Now, he likely won't be eligible to hit free agency until 2030, rather than in 2029. Per the collective bargaining agreement reached in 2022, Skenes might still earn his full year of service time if he finishes in the top-two for National League Rookie of the Year Award voting.

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Who was the baseball player called Pee Wee? ›

Pee Wee Reese was the heart and soul of the Dodgers, playing shortstop from 1940-57 (he served in the Navy from 1943-45) in Brooklyn, and for one season in Los Angeles. With Reese, numbers don't tell the whole story.

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Who had the first perfect game in baseball? ›

The first perfect game was pitched on June 12th, 1880 by Lee Richmond at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds in Worcester, Massachusetts. The most recent perfect game was pitched on June 28th, 2023 by Domingo Germán at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California.

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Who was the first Mexican pitcher in MLB? ›

Valenzuela was discovered in 1977 by Los Angeles scout Corito Varona while playing in the Mexican League. As a 20-year-old, Valenzuela caught the attention of fans when he pitched for the National League (NL) Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the 1981 season and shut out the Houston Astros.

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Who was the first Cuban baseball player in the MLB? ›

Years before Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier, Esteban Bellán became the first Caribbean and first Latin American to play professional baseball in the United States. Born in 1850 in Havana, Cuba, Bellán was sent by his family to the United States to reap the benefits of a Jesuit education.