The Pittsburgh Pirates welcomed a new era on Saturday night as rookie pitcher Paul Skenes made his major league debut in a thrilling 10-9 victory over the Cubs. The 21-year-old, who was the Pirates’ No. 1 draft pick in 2023, was the center of attention as fans eagerly awaited his first pitch.
With nearly 35,000 fans packing PNC Park, the excitement was palpable as Skenes took the mound. Even his teammates were in awe, watching his every move during warmups in the bullpen. Skenes, who had previously played at Louisiana State in front of large crowds, was blown away by the energy and support from the Pittsburgh faithful.
Despite some early jitters, Skenes put on a solid performance, pitching four innings and striking out seven batters. Manager Derek Shelton praised the rookie’s stuff and expressed confidence in his future with the team. Skenes himself acknowledged the need to improve his command but remained optimistic about his development.
The game was not without its drama, as the Pirates bullpen struggled late in the game, but the focus remained on Skenes and his promising debut. As the dust settled and the Pirates secured the win, it was clear that Skenes had the talent and composure to succeed at the major league level.
With a bright future ahead, Skenes and the Pirates can now shift their focus to the rest of the season, knowing that they have a young and talented pitcher in their rotation. The debut may be in the rearview mirror, but the excitement and hope it brought to Pittsburgh fans will linger for seasons to come.