Paul Skenes Impresses MLB Fans with 7 Strikeouts in Pirates' Opening Day vs. Marlins

Paul Skenes is picking up where he left off after his dominant rookie season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates ace had a solid first showing on Opening Day, pitching 5.1 innings and striking seven while giving up three hits, two runs and two walks on 94 pitches. One of those runs was assigned to Skenes, though it was reliever Dennis Santana who actually gave it up on a passed ball after he entered the game in the bottom of the sixth.

As usual, Skenes showcased his absolutely filthy arsenal in the contest.

Was it Skenes most dominant performance in his young career? Absolutely not. But it was still an ace-worthy showing, giving the Pirates a solid chance to open the season with a win.

And for that, the response to his performance was mostly positive on social media:

The Pirates are not expected to be terribly good this season, a recurring trend for the franchise, but Skenes' outings are appointment viewings for MLB fans at this point. Thursday's effort perhaps wasn't vintage Skenes, based on a rookie season that saw him go 11-3 in 23 starts with a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a whopping 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, but it was good enough to give the Pirates a great chance to win.

And that's what aces are expected to provide every five days.