Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes had one of the most dominant rookie pitching seasons ever.
Skenes was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft, and the Pirates did not take long to call him up to the big leagues. He has been dominating the league since his first start in May. Skenes went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. He was recently named the National League Rookie of the Year.
When asked about his top moments from his rookie campaign, Skenes spoke about starting the All-Star game and pitching in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, as transcribed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles. He also mentioned how the Pirates are giving him something to look forward to in the future.
“The All-Star game is probably at the top of the list, and I think finishing the year on a high note,” Skenes said. “To be honest, that was probably, not the most nervous I’ve been, but the most I’ve felt the nerves was pitching in that last game of the year, because I knew it was over after, which isn’t a great feeling to be honest. It was really good to be able to finish the year on a high note.”
“And then, I think probably going out for the ninth (inning) against the Cardinals. I know we lost that game, but that’s kinda what it looks like going forward, in terms of the fans, the energy within the dugout and that kinda thing — That’s what winning baseball looks like. Gives me something to look forward to next year and beyond.”
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Skenes was the first rookie pitcher to start the All-Star game in nearly 30 years, and that was just one accolade from his historic rookie season. It’s no wonder Skenes has something to look forward to in Pittsburgh, which has one of the best starting rotations in the league.
More MLB: Pirates Paul Skenes Adds Accolade After Historic Rookie Season
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