To say Paul Skenes has had an incredible start to his MLB career would be a wild understatement. After an impressive college career at LSU, Skenes, 23, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. After starting just five games at the Minor League level, Skenes was called up by the Pirates, and he has yet to disappoint.
Paul Skenes Extends Incredible Streak During Pirates-Diamondbacks originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
To say Paul Skenes has had an incredible start to his MLB career would be a wild understatement. After an impressive college career at LSU, Skenes, 23, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After starting just five games at the Minor League level, Skenes was called up by the Pirates, and he has yet to disappoint. After pitching in only 11 games during his rookie season, Skenes was named to the 2024 National League All-Star Team.
He would go on to win NL Rookie of the Year behind a 1.96 ERA and an 11-3 record. Simultaneously, Skenes was starting a pitching streak that borderlines ridiculous.
Following Skenes' lights out performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Skenes has not allowed a first-inning run since August 28, 2024. His incredible streak now stands at 27 consecutive starts without allowing a run in the first inning.
The Pirates were quick to post Skenes' amazing accomplishment on their official X account after Sunday's 6-0 victory over the Diamondbacks.
That's 27 consecutive starts with a scoreless first inning for Paul Skenes, dating back to September 3, 2024 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ZjirAucF7L
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 27, 2025
Skenes' accomplishments continue to rival those of the All-Time pitching greats. Through 45 games started at the MLB level, Skenes holds a 1.89 ERA. He leads the league in ERA this season (1.83), and was given the privilege of starting this year's All-Star Game.
As per FanDuel Sportsbook, Skenes currently stands as the overwhelming favorite to win the NL CY Young award (minus-180). The second favorite is currently Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Zack Wheeler.
The perceived downside, however, for Pirates' fans, and Skenes himself, is that he owns a 6-8 record despite his phenomenal statistics.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
