Pirates fans optimistic about Paul Skenes' career; he leaves to standing ovation

Tyler Harrison of Fairmont, W.Va., has been a fan of pitcher Paul Skenes since Skenes’ days of playing for Air Force.

An LSU fan, Harrison followed Skenes’ career when he transferred to play for the Tigers in the Bayou State.

So when it came time for Skenes to start his first game in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Harrison told his friends that he’d be attending Skenes’ debut.

“We were able to get tickets, so we’re here,” Harrison said Saturday afternoon outside PNC Park.

Harrison was one of many optimistic Skenes fans who descended on the North Shore to watch the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick make his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs. The reported attendance was just under 35,000; PNC Park’s capacity is just over 38,000.

The game was billed as the most anticipated pitching debut in 14 years, since Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg threw 14 strikeouts without a walk over the Pirates in June 2010.

“I’m looking for a shutout. That’s what I’m looking for,” said Harrison, who donned a Skenes jersey from his days at LSU. “He’s going to go off today.”

If Skenes turns things around for the Pirates, Harrison and his friends from West Virginia may be making more trips to Pittsburgh, said Jace Dalton, also from Fairmont.

“If he’s starting, I’m here,” Dalton said, enthusiastically. “If he’s ‘on the bump,’ I’m here.”

As for Skenes’ first start, he did well, throwing triple-digit fastballs and striking out seven through four innings of work.

Skenes was removed from the game in the fifth inning, after allowing a lead-off double and a single.

The Pirates led 6-1 as Skenes walked off the mound, with the only Cubs run coming from a solo home run by Nico Hoerner in the fourth inning. The PNC Park crowd gave Skenes a standing ovation.

The Pirates’ pitching fell apart after Skenes’ departure, with one reliever hitting a Cubs batter and then issuing three straight four-pitch walks with the bases loaded. Skenes was responsible for two of those base runners.

A second reliever allowed two more runs to come in, tying the game at 6-6 before a rain delay that lasted more than two hours. After play resumed, the Pirates pulled out a 10-9 win.

Skenes’ debut gave Pirates fans cause for optimism.

Ben Thompson of Irwin and Brandon Cotter of North Huntingdon are lifelong Pirates fans. They attended Saturday’s game because of Skenes’ debut.

“The only reason we’re here is because of Skenes,” Thompson said. “We wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t pitching.”

Cotter was looking forward to witness someone of Skenes’ talent.

“He is a rare prospect,” Cotter said. “It’s a historic moment to witness in Pirates history.

“He’s the best pitching prospect since (Stephen) Strasburg.”

Tyler Conlon and Kaitlyn Kiehart of Worthington had gotten tickets to the game before learning of Skenes making his debut. Kiehart works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Saturday’s game also served as Water Safety Night in partnership with the Pirates and the Corps.

“I was excited to find out he was making his debut,” Conlon said. “I’m excited to see what he does as a Pirate.”

“I think he’ll do well,” Conlon continued. “I think they need to improve the batting more than the pitching. … They need some more bats.”

It was Kiehart’s first trip to PNC Park.

“It’s always good when people are out and, despite the rain, enjoy themselves,” she said.

Between the occasional raindrops, the excitement for Skenes and the Pirates reached fans of all ages, including Declan Cline of Mars, who was celebrating his sixth birthday with family and friends.

Said Declan’s sister, Neave, 8: “I want to see the pitcher play.” Neave was also excited for Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Olivia Dunne.

Skenes’ talent could set the Pirates up for the rest of the season, said Declan and Neave’s dad, Matt Cline.

“It’s exciting. It’ll give them a chance to make it interesting,” he said.

Sam Berdine of Robinson Township felt a similar sense of optimism for the Pirates’ future with Skenes.

“I’m looking forward to seeing someone with Skenes’ level of talent,” Berdine said. “We go to games every year, good and bad, and we’re excited.

“It’s nice to see everyone get excited, too. It gives you hope.”

TribLive staff writer Justin Guerriero contributed.