Paul Skenes Throws Six No-Hit Innings In Second Start, Strikes Out Seven Straight

Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes made his Major League debut last week against the Chicago Cubs, showing off his exceptional fastball and dominant offspeed stuff. Skenes was solid, with seven strikeouts in four innings, though allowed three runs on six hits and two walks.

His second start on Friday also came against the Cubs, and with the first start jitters behind him, Skenes absolutely obliterated the first time through the order.

It started in the first inning, with Skenes pumping 100mph fastballs by Mike Tauchman, Ian Happ and Cody Bellinger for three straight strikeouts. And he was just warming up.

In the second inning, Skenes mowed down Christopher Morel and Michael Busch with offspeed stuff, before going back to 101 to catch Miles Mastrobouni looking for six straight strikeouts.

He then got Nick Madrigal to complete seven straight strikeouts to start the game. That's about as dominant as it gets.

May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) poses with his girlfriend Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunne (right) after making his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. The Pirates won 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Skenes Showing What Made Him A Top Prospect

He struck out two more in the fourth inning, making for nine through his first four without allowing a baserunner.

After a questionable missed call by the home plate umpire, Skenes allowed his first baserunner of the game in the fifth inning, walking Michael Busch with one out. Though of course, he immediately rebounded to strike out Mastrobouni again before getting a grounder from Nick Madrigal to end the fifth.

Somewhat surprisingly, Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton let Skenes come back out for the 6th inning after 81 pitches, getting the first two outs on grounders before rearing back for a 100mph fastball to strike out Tauchman for a third time on his 100th pitch.

All told, Skenes pitched six no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts and just one walk. He threw 67 of his 100 pitches for strikes and at times looked completely unhittable. As dominant a start as you can possibly have.  He left the game with an 8-0 lead and is in line for his first MLB win.  

It's always hard for young players to live up to hype, and Skenes entered the league with as much hype as anyone since Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper. Especially with his high-profile relationship with Olivia Dunne adding more scrutiny and outside pressure. But Skenes was absolutely electric in his second start, which was even more impressive considering it was the Cubs second look at him in just a few days.

That said, with the kind of velocity he's pumping out so far and the amount of injuries we've seen in recent years, it's already worth wondering how his arm will hold up to this kind of usage. 

READ: Paul Skenes Threw 9 Of 10 Fastest Pitches In MLB In 1 Start - How Long Before Surgery?

For now though, it's worth celebrating and enjoying one of the most dominant pitching performances in baseball this season. From a 21-year-old making his second big league start.