Pirates' Paul Skenes Continues to Wow MLB Fans After Dominating Cubs, Striking out 11

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes built upon his promising MLB debut with a strong performance against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

In his second career start, Skenes struck out 11 batters compared to just one walk in six innings of work without allowing a hit. He was dominant from the beginning of the game, striking out each of the first seven batters that he faced.

MLB fans were amazed by Skenes, who now owns a 2.70 ERA through two starts.

Although the Cubs ended the Pirates' no-hit bid with a single off relief pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski in the seventh inning, it didn't make Skenes' second MLB start any less promising.

The 21-year-old became the first Pittsburgh starter to ever record 11 strikeouts in a game at Wrigley Field, doing so in a mere six innings (via MLB Stats). Of his 100 total pitches on Friday, 67 were strikes.

He was also given some run support, as the Pirates took a commanding 8-0 lead prior to his exit.

Before he was called up by the Pirates on May 8, Skenes was listed as the No. 1 pitcher and No. 4 overall prospect in Bleacher Report's April MLB prospect rankings.

Although the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft didn't have a spotless debut, he showed off the tools that have impressed fans and analysts alike. During his first career start on May 11, Skenes racked up seven strikeouts in four innings despite allowing six hits and three earned runs.

He'll look to continue his impressive play throughout his rookie season and help the Pirates potentially contend for a postseason spot, as Pittsburgh entered Friday's action at No. 3 in the NL Central with a record of 20-25.