"Gonna be 1st ballot HOF if he stays healthy"- Pirates fans ecstatic as Paul Skenes reaches massive career milestone in just 13 games

Paul Skenes made his 13th start of the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday at Minute Maid Park. Skenes pitched six innings helping his team secure a 5-3 victory over the Houston Astros in the series opener.

During his outing, the 2024 All-Star pitcher also achieved another milestone adding to his achievements in his debut season. In the second inning, Paul Skenes struck out Astros’ Jon Singleton with three consecutive strikes, using a curveball, sinker and a changeup.

This strikeout marks Skenes’ 100th of the current season. What makes it special is that since 1901, only five pitchers before Skenes have notched up 103 or more strikeouts in their first 13 starts(h/t Sarah Langs/@SlangsOnSports on X). Pirates fans lauded the right-handed pitcher, with some even speculating that he could become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“If he stays healthy, he’s gonna be 1st ballot HOF🔥👀,” a fan said.

“It's like he's trying to make the rest of us feel bad about our own accomplishments,” another fan said.

“I’ve nothing to reference this against to know how impressive it truly is, but sounds crazy,” another fan wrote.

Several other fans continued to praise Paul Skenes, highlighting his achievements at the young age of 22.

“He’s so incredible. The effortless delivery just screams longevity as well. It will be beautiful to witness for years to come,” a comment reads.

“This guy has a bright future. Hopefully, he stays healthy,” another comment reads.

“We are watching a great player who's winning big at such a young age,” someone wrote.

The Pirates offense also provided support to Paul Skenes recording six hits on 33 at-bats with five RBIs.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton talks about their victory following Paul Skenes' solid outing

In the six innings he pitched, Paul Skenes allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits with three walks while recording six strikeouts. Discussing the team’s victory, Pirates manager Derek Shelton said (via AP News):

“Full team win. I think grit is a good word. We’ve had to use a lot of people in the last two days, and we’ve had a lot of people really step up in big moments. So overall, two good team victories.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates (54-52) are just behind the Milwaukee Brewers (61-45) who are leading the NL Central. The Pirates will face the Astros again on Tuesday in the second game of their series.