The Cubs were no match for Paul Skenes the second time around.
They could barely touch the Pirates’ phenom fireballer.
Skenes, MLB’s top-ranked pitching prospect and the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, pitched six near-perfect innings Friday afternoon during the team’s 9-3 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, consistently reaching 100 mph or higher.
He did not give up a hit or a run and walked just one batter while striking out a staggering 11.
Skenes, who starred collegiately at LSU, had thrown 100 pitches, however, and was replaced by Carmen Mlodzinski to start the seventh inning.
Mlodzinski promptly surrendered three hits and two runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Skenes’ second MLB outing went far better than the first, which also came against the Cubs.
In his MLB debut last week, a Pirates’ 10-9 win over the Cubs, Skenes, who is dating LSU gymnastics star and social media sensation Olivia Dunne, tossed four innings and gave up three runs and two walks.
“It just wasn’t as sharp as it’s been,” Skenes, who recorded a 0.99 ERA in seven starts in Triple-A this year before being called up, said after his MLB debut.
Dunne was also interviewed during Skenes’ last start.
“I have so many amazing memories with him but I know how hard he has worked for this moment,” Dunne said. “Seriously, there’s nothing that can top this, I’m just so proud.”