LSU Pitcher Paul Skenes Named SEC Player of the Week

Skenes put together a historic debut for the Tigers, earns player of the week in the blink of an eye.

LSU junior right-hander Paul Skenes was named Monday the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week by the league office.

Skenes, a product of Lake Forest, Calif., worked six shutout frames on Friday to defeat Western Michigan, allowing just three hits with one walk and 12 strikeouts. He threw 98 pitches in the outing, 64 for strikes.

The 12 Ks represented the most by an LSU pitcher since April 15, 2021, when Landon Marceaux recorded 12 strikeouts versus South Carolina.

Skenes’ effort also marked the most strikeouts by an LSU pitcher in a season opener since Scott Schultz fanned 12 Lamar batters in 1995 in the Winn-Dixie Showdown at the Louisiana Superdome.

Skenes isn't just winning over fans on the diamond. He's also becoming a favorite off the field.

The first-year Tiger recently announced he will be donating a portion of his NIL money to charity. 

Skenes revealed earlier this month that he will pledge $10 for every strikeout to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military and first responders who have died or been disabled.

"I wanted to give back because the military has been such a big piece for me," Skenes said. "Coach Kaz was like immediately, 'Do folds of honor.'"