LSU icon Paul Skenes continues to amaze with latest sensational outing

The Cincinnati Reds didn't stand a chance against Paul Skenes on Thursday night. But the Reds aren't alone. Skenes has dominated Major League Baseball since getting the call up in May of 2024, and his latest outing is one of many that leaves his opponents wondering what in the world they just saw.

The former LSU Tiger tossed six shutout innings while collecting eight strikeouts without issuing a walk on Thursday. The dominant outing lowered his ERA on the season to a measly 1.94, which is an MLB-best. It was another sensational performance for Skenes, who continues to amaze when he is on the mound every five days.

When describing Skenes, dominant is an understatement

Every Skenes start is must-watch television. With a fastball that is routinely in the triple-digits, the LSU product is a one-in-a-million power pitcher that shows no signs of slowing down. Tiger fans will never forget his magical 2023 season in Baton Rouge, which led the LSU baseball program to its seventh national title. The program now boasts eight national titles after winning it all in Omaha once again this past June.

No matter you slice it, Skenes' MLB numbers are other-worldly. Through 46 career starts, the 6-foot-6 right-hander owns a 1.99 ERA to go along with a 0.93 WHIP in 271 innings of work. He's racked up 324 strikeouts and has a K/9 ratio just under 11. That's just insane.

Skenes has spent less than two full seasons at the big league level, but has already racked up several MLB awards. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2024 after posting a 1.96 ERA and collecting 170 strikeouts over 23 starts and 133 innings. Despite not making his first MLB start until May 11, he finished third in National League Cy Young voting in his rookie season. As it stands right now, he is well on his way to win the NL Cy Young Award in 2025.

Skenes has been an All-Star in both of his big league seasons. His selection in 2024 made him the first No. 1 overall draft pick to make an All-Star team as a rookie. He was just the fifth rookie ever to start the All-Star Game for the National League. He started the All-Star Game again in 2025.

His latest outing is just another in a long stretch of power-pitching from Skenes. The Pirates' franchise hasn't done him many favors with developing or acquiring loads of talent around him, but one thing's for sure - Skenes is an extreme talent that doesn't come around often.