Skenes receives standing ovation from Cardinals fans

The popularity of Paul Skenes is reaching other fanbases.

The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander was given a standing ovation from St. Louis Cardinals fans at Busch Stadium on Tuesday after pitching 6 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, which included eight strikeouts, during a 2-1 win.

"I'll be honest. I didn't really notice it in the moment. I was kind of just pissed I gave up a hit," Skenes said postgame.

"I got a text about it, and looking back I realized what happened, and it was cool. They're cool fans."

The rookie phenom exited in the seventh inning with the Pirates and Cardinals in a scoreless tie, making him ineligible for the win. Nonetheless, Skenes impressed eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado with his outing.

"He just mixes everything really well. I knew he had great stuff, (but) I didn't know he was going to mix it in like that," the Cardinals third baseman said of Skenes, according to Bally Sports Midwest.

"He did a really good job. He's a stud. He's a problem."

Skenes has been terrific for the Pirates since making his big-league debut May 11. He owns a 2.43 ERA following Tuesday's outing while striking out 46 in 33 1/3 innings.

The Pirates selected Skenes first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.