Former Tiger ace Paul Skenes made his much anticipated MLB debut Saturday afternoon at home as the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the Chicago Cubs.
Skenes pitched into the fifth inning before being pulled after 84 pitches. He had a pretty good first start as he struck out seven, walked two, and hit another batter; Skenes gave up six hits and was charged with three runs allowed.
Skenes was pulled with the Pirates leading 6-1. Kyle Nichols came on in relief after Skenes put runners on first and second with nobody out. Nichols hit a batter to load the bases and then walked in two runs, both of which were charged to Skenes and soured what was an otherwise pretty good first MLB start.