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MLB Fans Want Paul Skenes to Start All-Star Game After 7 No-Hit Innings vs. Brewers

Jul 11, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the first inning \amb at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the first inning \amb at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

The legend of Paul Skenes grows.

The Pittsburgh Pirates phenom was absolutely brilliant on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing seven no-hit innings to go along with 11 strikeouts and just one walk before being pulled due to his pitch count sitting at 99.

What Skenes is doing so early in his career—Thursday's start was only the 11th of his career!—is nothing short of unreal. He may already be the best pitcher in baseball, and he's only 22 years old.

That had fans and pundits clamoring for him to be the NL's starting pitcher at the upcoming All-Star Game, alongside the usual astonishment at his performance:

Pittsburgh's no-hitter bid ended immediately, as reliever Colin Holderman gave up a hit to the first batter he faced, Jake Bauers.

As you might imagine, fans were not happy with Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton's decision to take out Shelton to prevent his pitch count from ballooning:

Long term, it's easy to see why the Pirates don't want to overwork Skenes so early in his career. Star pitchers have ended up on the injured list at alarming rates this season, and Skenes' long-term arm health is more important than short-term success.

Still, seeing a dominant pitcher getting removed from a game while he's gunning for a no-hitter is just... no fun. It's easy to understand fan frustrations from that standpoint.

Either thing, one thing is abundantly clear—Skenes is an absolute superstar. The Pirates have a franchise cornerstone on their hands.

Video: Livvy Dunne Surprises Pirates' Paul Skenes After 2024 MLB All-Star Selection

Jul 7, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 11: Guests of Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates including Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne look on from their seats during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 11: Guests of Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates including Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne look on from their seats during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne congratulated her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes, for his historic All-Star accomplishment on Sunday.

Dunne praised Skenes in a pair of Instagram stories as she wrote, "he's an ALL STAR!"

She also shared a video and a photo of a surprise she set up for Skenes:

Skenes was selected to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game earlier in the day, becoming the first player to earn an All-Star nod the year after they were selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Dunne has appeared at several Pirates games to support Skenes throughout the season and recently showed up to watch the team's clash with the New York Mets on Saturday (h/t Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post).

While Pittsburgh owns a middling 42-46 record, Skenes' emergence has undoubtedly been one of the team's bright spots. The right-hander has thrived since he was called up by the team on May 8.

In 10 starts, Skenes has a 5-0 record to go along with a 2.12 ERA. He's racked up 78 strikeouts compared to just 12 walks in 59.1 innings of work, accumulating an impressive 1.011 WHIP.

He became the eighth pitcher since 1901 to record at least 78 strikeouts in the first 10 starts of his career, while his 14 total runs allowed are fewer than everyone above him on the leaderboard (via Alex Stumpf of MLB.com).

Skenes won't be the only Pirate represented during All-Star festivities, as outfielder Bryan Reynolds was also selected to participate in the game.

The MLB All-Star Game will be on July 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

Paul Skenes 1st MLB Player Ever to Make All-Star Team 1 Year After Being No. 1 Pick

Jul 7, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 5: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 5: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

History has been made.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has been selected to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. He becomes the first player drafted No. 1 overall to be selected to the All-Star Game the year following the selection.

He joins outfielder Bryan Reynolds as the Pirate's representatives in the game. Skenes earned this feat despite not being called up until May.

While Skenes has not been in the majors very long, he has been dominant from the start.

He is currently 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA across 10 starts. He has thrown 59.1 pitches and has a record 78 strikeouts. He has never allowed more than three earned runs in an outing during his MLB career and has recorded at least seven strikeouts in nine of his ten starts.

While he did not match the innings pitched numbers that some other pitchers have reached this year, his dominance took that argument off the table and now the 22-year-old is heading to his first career All-Star Game.

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Video: Pirates Run Out of Fireworks After Tying Franchise Record with 7 HRs vs. Mets

Jul 6, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 05: Rowdy Tellez #44 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a grand slam home run in the eighth inning during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 05: Rowdy Tellez #44 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a grand slam home run in the eighth inning during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

PNC Park exhausted the last of its fireworks as the Pittsburgh Pirates blasted a historic number of home runs against the New York Mets.

The Pirates belted seven homers, tying a franchise record for the most in a single game. There were so many home runs in the 14-2 win that PNC Park ran out of fireworks to shoot off.

The Mets actually had the first home run of the game as Jeff McNeil homered in the first inning, but from there it was all Pittsburgh.

Rowdy Tellez got things started with a solo shot in the fourth, and Jack Suwinski followed that up with a homer of his own. In the fifth inning, Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run home run to right center, and he then added a grand slam in the seventh inning.

Pittsburgh added three more home runs in the eighth inning from Yasmani Grandal, Michael Taylor and finally a grand slam from Tellez to cap off the historic night.

Perhaps all of the homers on Friday will give the Pirates some good energy heading into the rest of the season to potentially make a playoff push. Pittsburgh currently sits at 42-45 and in third place in the NL Central.

Livvy Dunne Responds to Viral Video of Young Paul Skenes Fan: 'I Like the Stache Too'

May 24, 2024
FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne arrives for the 58th Academy of Country Music awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/FilmMagic)
FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne arrives for the 58th Academy of Country Music awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/FilmMagic)

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne reacted positively to a young Pittsburgh Pirates fan's approval of the mustache of her boyfriend, ace rookie pitcher Paul Skenes.

The fan was interviewed during Skenes' home start against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. He allowed just one run over six innings, but the Pirates' bullpen faltered en route to a 7-6 defeat.

Of course, the Pirates supporter is also a fan of Dunne, the social media superstar who just helped LSU win its first-ever national championship in gymnastics.

As for Skenes, the Pirates sensation has posted a 2.25 ERA over three starts, striking out 21 over 16 innings. His best effort occurred on May 17, when he struck out 11 and no-hit the Chicago Cubs over six innings before being pulled following 100 pitches.

Skenes will be back on the mound next week on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.

Barry Bonds to Be Inducted into Pirates Hall of Fame; MLB Legend Learns News in Video

May 21, 2024
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony for Hunter Pence before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on September 17, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony for Hunter Pence before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on September 17, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have named Barry Bonds as a member of the franchise's Hall of Fame class of 2024.

The Pirates caught Bonds' reaction after he learned the news.

Bonds' former Pirates manager, Jim Leyland, will join him in the Hall of Fame. The same goes for three-time All-Star catcher and two-time World Series champion Manny Sanguillen.

The Pirates selected Bonds, a former Arizona State star, with the sixth overall pick in the 1985 draft. He joined the big leagues one year later and spent seven years in Pittsburgh (1986-1992).

During that time, Bonds won two National League MVP awards (1990, 1992), three Gold Gloves (1990-1992) and three Silver Slugger awards (1990-1992).

The Pirates enjoyed great success in the back half of Bonds' Pittsburgh tenure, winning the NL East title in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

After the 1992 season, Bonds left in free agency for the San Francisco Giants, where he blossomed into one of the game's all-time greats. His accolades include seven National League MVP awards, 14 All-Star Game appearances, 12 Silver Sluggers, eight Gold Gloves and a pair of batting titles. His 762 home runs also stand as MLB's all-time record.

Bonds is the best player currently on the outside looking into the Baseball Hall of Fame due to steroid allegations. His next chance to get in will be in 2026 through the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee.

However, Bonds' place in Pirates' lore is being recognized in the franchise's Hall.

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

May 17, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday, May 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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.

Paul Skenes Dazzles Fans With 7 Strikeouts in MLB Debut for Pirates vs. Cubs

May 11, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Paul Skenes and his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, went viral on social media this week after learning that he was called up to the big leagues following a nap.

His MLB debut went pretty darn good, too.

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher gave up six hits, two walks and three runs while striking out seven in four innings. He only directly gave up one run, a Nico Hoerner home run, while reliever Kyle Nicolas allowed two of the runners Skenes left on base in the top of the fifth inning to score.

All in all, and impressive first outing, and social media gave him his flowers:

"I have so many amazing memories with him. But I know how hard he has worked for this moment. All the hours. I just know what a hard worker he is. This is probably one of my favorite moments I have ever seen," Dunne said on the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast. "Like seriously, there's nothing that can top this. I'm just so proud."

There's no doubt that Skenes has a live arm. Hitting 100 mph with that much consistency is not common, and if he can maintain that level of velocity through a full season and throughout much of his career, he could become an excellent starter.

There's a reason he was ranked as the top pitching prospect by both B/R's Joel Reuter and MLB.com. Reuter ranked him as the No. 4 overall prospect in the sport, noting that he "has the tools to be a generational talent on the mound."

He showed as much on Saturday.

Joey Votto: Paul Skenes' MLB Debut with Pirates Reminds Me of Stephen Strasburg

May 11, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes reminded Joey Votto of former Washington Nationals star Steven Strasburg in his MLB debut on Saturday.

"Watching Skenes reminds me of facing Strasburg after his call-up," the former Cincinnati Reds star wrote. "I took a fastball in my first at-bat, looked up, and saw '100' on the board. I thought, 'Uh oh.' The next pitch? The best curveball I'd ever seen."

Votto added: "This beautiful game keeps moving fwd."

Skenes, who led LSU to the 2023 Men's College World Series title, earned his first Pirates start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

Prior to his call-up Skenes had recorded a 0.99 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Votto made the comparison after facing Strasburg 26 times during his Reds career, per Stathead Baseball.

He isn't the first time to compare the hard-throwing Skenes with the former Nationals star.

Like Strasburg, the No. 1 pick in 2009, Skenes was selected by the Pirates at the top of the 2023 draft.

Both regularly threw over 100 miles per hour and were renowned for their control of their fastball, as noted by MLB.com's Jim Callis.

When Strasburg made his debut against the Pirates on June 8, 2010, Pittsburgh's leadoff hitter was Andrew McCutchen, the same batter leading off for the Pirates during Skenes' debut.

Skenes and Strasburg also earned similar levels of hype around their first MLB starts. After Skenes struck out seven batters in 4.0 innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs as the Pirates pulled out to a 6-1 lead, he received a standing ovation from PNC Park.

Strasburg went on to win a World Series MVP award and three All-Star nominations. The Pirates are surely hoping Skenes will be able to achieve similar accolades during his career.

Livvy Dunne: Paul Skenes' MLB Debut with Pirates vs. Cubs '1 of My Favorite Moments'

May 11, 2024
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) attends as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) makes his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs beat PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: Livvy Dunne (R) attends as her boyfriend Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates (not pictured) makes his major league debut during the game against the Chicago Cubs beat PNC Park on May 11, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne was thrilled to see her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes, make his MLB debut on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

"I have so many amazing memories with him. But I know how hard he has worked for this moment. All the hours. I just know what a hard worker he is. This is probably one of my favorite moments I have ever seen," she said on the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast. "Like seriously, there's nothing that can top this. I'm just so proud."

Her initial reaction to learning that Skenes was called up by the Pirates—after the pair awoke from a nap—went viral on Wednesday:

"Yeah, we woke up from a nap, and he had a few missed calls, and he got called up," Dunne said Saturday. "Then he was like, 'Let's pack,' and we hit the road. It was so exciting."

Skenes, 21, more than deserved his call-up. In seven starts for Triple-A Indianapolis this season he posted a 0.99 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in just 27.1 innings.

During his debut on Saturday he pitched four innings, giving up six hits and two walks and three runs while striking out seven. The lone run he directly allowed came off a Nico Hoerner homer.

When he departed, the Pirates held a 6-1 advantage. Reliever Kyle Nicolas allowed two of the runs Skenes was responsible for in the top of the fifth inning to score.

Dunne is quite the athlete in her own right. She was a member of LSU's 2024 NCAA championship team, competing throughout the season on the uneven bars and floor exercise.

She has parlayed that success into popular social media accounts on TikTok and Instagram.

Skenes, meanwhile, has the look of a pitcher who could potentially have a long and successful MLB career. He certainly got off to a solid start on Saturday.

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