Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski Curve's Paul Skenes applauds a Mike Jarvis three-run homer in the second inning of Tuesday's game with Akron.

By Jarrod Prugar

For the Mirror

The Altoona Curve were propelled by an offensive onslaught of runs en route to a 9-2 victory over the Akron RubberDucks Tuesday night in front of 3,512 people at PNG Field.

While the action on the field was full of excitement, so too was the news of the day — the arrival of the 2023 MLB Draft No. 1 overall pick pitcher Paul Skenes.

“It’s been cool. And I think that’s something I’ll probably have a better answer for in a couple weeks as I get to reflect back on this journey,” Skenes said. “It’s been such a blessing to have this opportunity in the first place.”

Skenes began the 2023 season as a member of the pitching staff at Louisiana State University where he had a locker right beside Central graduate Paxton Kling.

Kling, having grown up around the area, did have some entertaining advice for Skenes.

“He told me not to get the pizza,” Skenes said.

While Skenes might not be interested in a slice of pizza that features green peppers, salami, American cheese and sauce, he’s made a solid first impression on his new coaches and teammates.

“First impression is he’s a really nice kid after having a chance to bring him in and speak to him,” Altoona manager Callix Crabbe said. “It’s nice to see the journey. Most guys that have become the number one pick, often times they’ve been labeled that for quite some time. I think it’s the opposite for him.”

Skenes began his career at Air Force before transferring to LSU and developing further into the player he is today with the help of the coaching staff with the Tigers.

One of the most impressive things for Crabbe initially is the presence and poise he displays in the clubhouse and on the field.

“As big as his work has been. He’s a big dude,” Crabbe said. “I saw him on TV and I knew he’s big, but he’s really massive, but also just a really gentle dude. You can tell that he’s extremely professional. I’m excited to see him pitch.”

Pitching for the Curve will be the next step of Skenes’ journey to Pittsburgh, though his journey to Altoona did take him through Pittsburgh Monday.

“I flew into the Pittsburgh airport yesterday and drove by PNC and got to see all that,” Skenes said. “It’s cool to be closer, obviously, but really, it’s just taking it one day at a time just trying to go out there and put my body and my mind in the right position to succeed and have fun along the way.”

The fun will continue when Skenes steps onto the mound at PNG Field for the first time on Saturday in what is expected to be a sold-out crowd, a moment professional players live for. As of Tuesday, only standing-room tickets were being sold.

“When you’re a professional baseball player, you aspire to play in front of 40,000 people potentially, so I think they’ll all be excited,” Crabbe said. “There’ll be a buzz, I’m sure to hear there’ll be high energy. They’ll feed off of it and I expect nothing but good vibes and good play.”

SUBHED: Got be the shoes

Mike Jarvis made a slight adjustment prior to the game as he donned bright white cleats that he wore to much success in Greensboro.

“Tuesday night was the first time I got to wear them,” Jarvis said. “I got them originally in Greensboro, but didn’t get to wear them there. Then when I got called up here, we’re on the road so I didn’t have them. It just kind of worked out that this was the first opportunity I had to work.”

It paid major dividends going 1-for-3 with two walks, three RBIs and his first Double-A home run.

While the shoes may have only played a small part in his performance, they sure didn’t stop Crabbe from recognizing a solid cleat game.

“I’m a big white shoe guy. And they caught my attention,” Crabbe said. “I think that was the start of a nice day for him, but joking aside, it was a good day for him.”

SUBHED: Cruz control

Altoona starter Nick Dombkowski went five innings allowing two runs on two hits while striking out six to get the win, but it was Omar Cruz who stole the show in relief.

Cruz allowed two hits in three innings of work while facing just one over the minimum and throwing 24 pitches.

“He was just attacking the strike zone,” Crabbe said. “Hitting is hard. I think pitchers tend to forget that. They try to be too fine and don’t come out in a big pinch, convicted, but at that moment, he was really good tonight.”

SUBHED: Next step

The Curve send Aaron Shortridge to the mound for Wednesday’s game. Shortridge is 8-7 with a 4.68 ERA.

Shortridge has won three starts in a row and in his last outing against Bowie, he went six innings, allowed two runs and struck out five.