Paul Skenes stats, highlights: Pirates phenom strikes out 7, hits 100mph in MLB debut vs. Cubs

Skenes looked comfortable on the mound, striking out the first two batters he facd. He struck out seven across four innings but allowed three runs, six hits and two walks.

Paul Skenes strikes out 7 in his first career start! pic.twitter.com/4WIqGRjgSf

— MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2024

The right-hander started the fifth inning but allowed back-to-back hits, giving Chicago runners on first and second.

While Skenes exited the game with a comfortable lead of 6-1, the Cubs scored five more runs — two of them attributed to Skenes — in the top of the fifth. The game went to a rain delay before the Pirates could escape the inning.

Skenes would not have been able to pick up the win even if the Pirates held onto the lead, as he only pitched four innings. MLB starters must pitch at least five innings to earn a win.

Skenes looked confident throughout his debut, and his stuff is real. Pairing sinker at 95 mph with his 100-plus mph four-seam fastball made him tough to hit, even in his first outing at baseball's highest level.

Paul Skenes’ splinker is nasty. It’s one thing to average 100 mph with a four-seamer. To pair that with a 95-mph hybrid with crazy vertical movement is borderline unfair. And Skenes uses it both as a strikeout pitch and to steal strikes early in the count.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) May 11, 2024

Skenes threw 84 pitches, including 54 strikes. Pittsburgh hasn't announced when Skenes will pitch again, but he's in line to pitch on regular rest on Thursday — the same day the Pirates begin a four-game series on the road against the Cubs.

Barring a decision to send Skenes back to Triple-A or to give him more time between starts, he could face a familiar Chicago lineup in his second MLB start.

WATCH: Pirates vs. Cubs live on Fubo (free trial)

Pirates vs. Cubs score

Paul Skenes stats

Paul Skenes live updates, highlights from MLB debut

(All times Eastern).

5:42 p.m.: There's a rain delay in Pittsburgh. The Pirates could use this as they've surrendered their lead and now are tied 6-6 in the top of the fifth.

5:33 p.m.: Kyle Nicolas walks back-to-back batters, which scores two runs. Both runs are attributed Skenes.

5:24 p.m.: That'll do it for Skenes' debut as he allows back-to-back hits to start the fifth inning. He finishes his debut with four innings pitched and seven strikeouts.

5:15 p.m.: The Pirates are really giving Justin Steele some trouble. Michael A. Taylor hits his first homer of the season to put Pittsburgh up 6-1.

5:12 p.m.: Add another three strikeouts to his tally. Skenes is up to seven on the day.

5:04 p.m.: There it goes! Hoerner just clears the left field fence as the Cubs get their first run on the board. That's Skenes' first earned run of his career. Pirates lead 4-1.

Nico Hoerner takes Paul Skenes deep! pic.twitter.com/ZHOZGr15OB

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 11, 2024

4:57 p.m.: And there goes another! Oneil Cruz rockets one 427 feet at 114.1 mph exit velocity. Pirates lead 4-0.

4:56 p.m.: Connor Joe hits a three-run home run to left field! Skenes will have some run support heading into the top of the fourth.

4:45 p.m.: Spoke slightly too soon as Morel picked up a single, but Yasmani Grandal catches the Cubs third baseman stealing.

4:43 p.m.: He's cruising through the second inning. A strikeout and fly out for the first two batters. Skenes is up to four strikeouts through 2 2/3.

4:32 p.m.: And just like that, Skenes works himself out of the jam. A strikeout and groundout to second saves the rookie from picking up a run.

4:28 p.m.: Skenes has gotten himself into a jam just four outs into his career. A hit by pitch, walk and single loads the bases for the Cubs.

4:26 p.m.: Two straight to reach base as Skenes walks Michael Busch. One out, runners on first and second.

4:24 p.m.: Skenes allows his second base runner after hitting Nico Hoerner in the top of the second inning.

4:13 p.m.: Skenes walks Cody Bellinger, but gets Christopher Morel to fly out to end the first inning.

4:09 p.m.: I think Skenes is fitting in just fine. The 21-year-old has struck out the first two batters to start the Cubs-Pirates game.

Paul Skenes K's the first hitter he faces in the big leagues 🔥

(via @MLBPipeline)pic.twitter.com/TLYbjWfkfN

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 11, 2024

4:07 p.m.: First pitch is a ball.

4:05 p.m.: Skenes is taking the mound for his major league debut. Let's see what he's got.

3:46 p.m. — And there he is:

PAUL SKENES. ‼️

(🎥: @Jake_Mintz)pic.twitter.com/T9kBLqZ9BZ

— theScore (@theScore) May 11, 2024

3:32 p.m. — The Pirates posted some video of Skenes entering PNC Park today. The No. 1 pick will be wearing No. 30, and his locker is fittingly next to fellow young starter Jared Jones.

Behind the Skenes. pic.twitter.com/jD0vBPYG8V

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 11, 2024

3:25 p.m. — The Pirates make it official, calling up Paul Skenes and designating Roansy Contreras for assignment. It's a good thing they did, because Skenes is warming up for his debut in 40 minutes.

We have selected the contract of RHP Paul Skenes from Triple-A Indianapolis.

RHP Roansy Contreras has been designated for assignment to create a space on the 40-man and 26-man active roster.

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 11, 2024

How to watch Paul Skenes' MLB debut

• Date: Saturday, May 11
• Start time: 4:05 p.m. ET
• TV channel: MLB Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pirates market), Marquee Sports Network (Cubs market)
• Live stream: Fubo, MLBTV

The Pirates (17-21) will host the Cubs (22-16) in an NL Central matchup on Saturday, May 11. Skenes will start on the bump for the second game of the three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.

SportsNet Pittsburgh and Marquee Sports Network will broadcast Skenes' debut for in-market fans. The out-of-market audience can watch on MLB Network or stream the game on Fubo, which has a free trial.

MLBTV is another way to watch the game for out-of-market fans.

Paul Skenes minor league stats