Paul Skenes’ performance can no longer be considered a simple streak or a good start for a rookie. What the young Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher is doing is undoubtedly a display of dominance rarely seen in recent Major League Baseball history.
In his most recent outing against the Diamondbacks, he pitched six and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, no walks and striking out seven. The performance not only helped his team win the series, but also put him in the MLB record books.
At just 23 years old, Skenes became the first pitcher in Major League history not to allow more than six hits in any of his first 35 starts. It is a mark that reflects more than control or talent: it speaks of consistency, intelligence on the mound and surprising maturity.
In each outing he dominates with his powerful fastball and a slider that cuts the corners. The ovation he received from the crowd in Arizona, despite being a visitor, is a sign of the respect he already generates throughout the circuit.
A dominant arm and an offense that responds
Pittsburgh didn’t need a comeback like the night before. With Skenes controlling the game from the start, the offense responded forcefully. Henry Davis opened the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning and, by the sixth, the bats exploded for five runs. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds took care of extending the lead with key hits, including a two-run double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa and an RBI triple by Reynolds.
Zac Gallen did not have his best night for Arizona. The right-hander allowed six runs, five of them earned, in five innings of work. Three walks to the first batters of the inning ended up turning into runs. The bullpen also failed to contain Pittsburgh’s offense, which ended up winning 10-1 and taking its first road series since April. The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, have lost seven of their last eight games.
The future of the Pirates revolves around Skenes
In Pittsburgh, they are clear that the present and future of the team rests on the right arm of Paul Skenes. His dominance is not the result of a lucky start, but of a real ability to dominate in the Major Leagues from day one. His ERA in 2025 is 2.15, while his lifetime average is 2.03. Figures that normally take years to achieve, he has maintained since his debut.
The conversation among analysts is no longer about whether he will be an ace, because he has already proven that. Now, the debate revolves around how far he can go. Breaking historical records in his first full season, Skenes is not only leading the Pirates. He is changing the standard of what a young pitcher can be in this era of baseball.
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