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Paul Skenes starts strong against St. Louis Cardinals, throws three perfect innings

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz06/12/24NickSchultz_7
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes
© Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The hot start to Paul Skenes’ MLB career continued in a big way Tuesday night. The Pittsburgh Pirates phenom went nine-up, nine-down against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Skenes struck out three hitters through the first three innings at Busch Stadium, and got his fourth for his 10th straight out to start the game. However, an Alec Burleson single ended the perfect game and no-hitter before the former LSU star recorded his fifth strikeout in four innings.

All told, Skenes threw 6.1 scoreless innings and struck out eight against St. Louis. It was another strong showing for the No. 1 overall pick, who hadn’t yet lost a game entering Tuesday’s matchup against the division-rival Cardinals.

Skenes has been nothing short of dominant to start his Major League Baseball career, bringing a 3-0 record and a 2.61 ERA into Tuesday’s game. He also has 43 strikeouts through his first six starts after flying through the Pirates’ minor league system as quickly as his 100 mile-per-hour fastball sneaks up on opposing hitters.

It’s also the second time in a week Skenes dominated out of the gate. Against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he struck out Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani en route to his third win of the year. Over five innings of work, Skenes had eight strikeouts and allowed three runs.

But facing Ohtani – someone to whom Skenes looked up during his college career – was a special moment. However, he had to keep his focus on the task at hand.

“It was cool,” Skenes said during the Pirates’ game against the Minnesota Twins. “Got to snap out of it pretty quick because at the end of the day, you’ve got to get them out, too. Cool to see him step in the box, for sure.”

Paul Skenes on MLB journey: ‘It’s still just baseball’

Skenes’ meteoric rise since going No. 1 overall last year has been nothing short of impressive. A year ago, he was in Omaha, getting ready for the College World Series. That’s where he eventually helped the Tigers to a championship after winning the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation’s top player.

Now, he’s playing in Busch Stadium after previous stops at Wrigley Field and Comerica Park – not to mention his home field at PNC Park. Throughout the ride, Skenes is keeping things in perspective.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s still just baseball. But doing it here, in these parks and with these people, is a cool opportunity. I’m having fun.”