Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews Face Off in MLB Debut

In a highly anticipated matchup at PNC Park, former LSU teammates Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews faced each other for the first time in the MLB, with Skenes successfully retiring Crews twice during the Pirates' 10-3 victory over the Nationals. Skenes struck out six and allowed only two runs over six innings, while Crews struggled at the plate, finishing 0 for 4 and continuing a challenging start to his season with a .106 batting average. The significance of their duel is heightened by their shared history at LSU, where they led the team to a National Championship in 2023 and were the top two picks in the 2023 MLB Draft. Skenes, who has been performing well in the majors, was named NL Rookie of the Year in his debut season, while Crews is seeking to regain his form after a slow start. Both players expressed excitement about their first professional encounter, which had been a long time coming since their collegiate days. The matchup drew attention from fans, including those with LSU ties, highlighting their enduring connection to their college baseball legacy.