Paul Skenes throws perfect Triple-A Pirates debut

Paul Skenes was perfect in his Triple-A debut.

MLB’s top pitching prospect struck out five over three scoreless innings Saturday for Indianapolis, the highest affiliate in the Pirates’ minor league system.

He threw 29 of 46 pitches for strikes, including generating 12 whiffs in a short start.

That performance should give his girlfriend — LSU gymnast, influencer and Sport Illustrated swimsuit model Olivia Dunne — something to celebrate the next time she’s on her widely followed social media accounts.

Dunne was quick to celebrate all of Skenes’ milestones during spring training.

The first batter Skenes ever faced – Jacob Hurtubise – at Triple-A hit on an awkward half-swing, as if protecting himself from the high heat.

Skenes averaged 100.1 mph on his 21 fastballs Saturday, hitting at least 100 on 12 pitches, peaking at 101.2 and hitting 99.1, according to MLB.com.

Skenes was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and appeared in only five minor league games last summer after leading LSU to the College World Series title.

He was touched up for four runs in 2 2/3 innings in his only Double-A appearance.

But Skenes was strong with the big league team in spring training, allowing three hits and one run while striking out three in three innings in two games.

Time is already running out to see when the Pirates will elevate Skenes after opting to forgo him for a return to Double-A.

While Jackson Chourio begins the season in the majors for the Brewers, only Jackson Holliday of the Orioles is rated as a better minor league player than Skenes by MLB.com.