Paul Skenes is playing like the pitcher the Pittsburgh Pirates expected. He’s playing like a number-one overall pick, getting his first three games against zero losses. In his last victory, he caught a big fish, slaying the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Skenes surrendered six hits and three runs while striking out eight batters in their 10-6 victory against the Dodgers. He struck out two-time American League Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani and other Dodgers batters to help the Pirates improve their record to 29-32.
After five games started, the former LSU standout has a 3.00 earned run average and a 1.00 WHIP in 27 innings. However, he’s not just winning games with his pitches. Instead, he’s bringing the heat from the mound by registering some of the fastest pitches this offseason.
Skenes has seven of the ten fastest pitches thrown by starters this season, including the fastest registered speed at 101.9 miles per hour. He’s also delivered three pitches at 101.2 mph, two at 101.1 mph, and another at 101 mph.
Heat advisory in Pittsburgh.
— MLB (@MLB) June 5, 2024
(MLB x @GoogleCloud) pic.twitter.com/VVhVnKWe8J
His fellow Pirates starter, Jared Jones, has the other three records (101.4, 101.3, and 101 mph).
Meanwhile, Skenes could have his next start on June 11 when the Pirates start a three-game road series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
-Lance Fernandez