Paul Skenes is living up to expectations.
In fact, it's happening right there.
The LSU product was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's MLB Draft, and after dominating in the minor leagues, he was called up earlier this season.
When he got the call, Skenes was the top pitching prospect in baseball and ranked third overall.
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Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the third inning of a game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
He is now one of the best pitchers in the game.
Entering Friday night's game, the 22-year-old had a 2.06 ERA in nine MLB starts, allowing three runs or fewer in each of them. His only game in which he allowed three earned runs came in his MLB debut.
He consistently hits 100 mph on the radar gun with devastating slow pitches, which has made him a strikeout machine.
Friday marked his 10th major league start, and the ninth in which he recorded at least seven strikeouts, setting the major league record for most in a player's first 10 games to start his career: He struck out eight New York Mets in seven two-run innings.
The only time he didn't strike out that many batters was on May 23, in his third start, when he had just three strikeouts against the San Francisco Giants.
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the first inning of a game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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Since then, there have been seven consecutive outings with seven or more strikeouts, which also set a franchise record dating back to 1882.
His career-high strikeouts so far is 11, which he accomplished in his second start against the Chicago Cubs.
He and fellow rookie Jared Jones have helped the Pirates stay in the wild-card race. They started the night four games down, but it looks like they've found an ace for years to come.
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks toward the dugout after the top of the first inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park on June 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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His famous mustache and relationship with LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne have also helped him achieve superstar status across the country, but he doesn't need much off the field to be beloved by Bucs fans.
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