Paul Skenes took the mound and did his job as he’s done all season.
Becoming the first rookie starting pitcher to start the MLB All-Star Game since 1995 is a pretty huge deal. Doing so the year after you were drafted first overall in the MLB Draft is unheard of, but that’s what the 22-year-old did.
It was already a win for Skenes when he took the mound in the bottom of the first inning on Tuesday night. However, he’s a gamer. As Aaron Judge said, he’s a “complete pitcher.” The Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher didn’t take the mound to just be happy about the start but to take down the American League’s best as well.
Skenes faced Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan in his first matchup of the game, forcing the .352 hitter to pop out to shortstop Trea Turner. The 22-year-old then managed to get Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson to ground it right back to him for out No. 2. He’d walk New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, setting him up for the matchup everyone was hoping for in this game — Skenes vs. Judge.
Pitching got the better of that exchange of that matchup as was able to make the Yankees’ outfielder ground into a force out to end the inning and mark a successful, scoreless frame for the hurler.
Story continues below advertisement
Skenes and the Pirates will look to follow a .500 first half with a strong performance in the second half to try and make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Pittsburgh is back in action on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, set for a 6:40 p.m. EST first pitch at PNC Park.
More MLB: Pirates Star Paul Skenes To Join Rare Company By Starting All-Star Game
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports