The Cubs were no match for Paul Skeens the second time around.
They could barely touch the Pirates’ genius fireballer.
Skeens, MLB’s top-ranked pitching prospect and the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, nearly pitched in his team’s 9-3 win over the Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field in Chicago. He pitched six near-perfect innings, consistently reaching over 100 mph. .
He did not allow a single hit or run, walked only one batter, and recorded an astonishing 11 strikeouts.
However, Skeens, a former LSU star, threw 100 pitches and started in the seventh inning in place of Carmen Mrozinski.
Mrozinski allowed three hits and two runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Skeens’ second MLB appearance was much better than his first, also against the Cubs.
In the Pirates’ 10-9 win over the Cubs in his MLB debut last week, Skens, who is dating LSU gymnastics star and social media sensation Olivia Dunn, pitched four innings, giving up three runs and two walks. I forgave you.
“I wasn’t as sharp as I’ve been,” Skeens, who started seven games and posted a 0.99 ERA in Triple-A before being called up this year, said after his MLB debut.
Dunn was also interviewed at Skens’ last start.
“I have so many great memories with him and I know how hard he worked for this moment,” Dunn said. “Really, nothing could top this. I’m really proud.”
