High school Rivals, MLB Aces: The Story of pythagorean Pirates’ Pitching Duo
Jared Jones and Paul Skenes, the dynamic pitching duo leading the Pittsburgh Pirates into the 2025 season, share a connection that dates back to their days as high school rivals.
Their first matchup, a fierce high school season opener, served as a preview of their future dominance.
Both pitchers were highly touted prospects. Jones, a freshman closer who wowed wiht his high velocity, and Skenes, a freshman heralded for his remarkable talent, attracted attention from across Southern California.
The game itself lived up to the hype, deemed a “Major League game in high school” by La Mirada left fielder Brandon Rho.
Years later, their paths converged in the Majors, both donning the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jones,the first pitching selection of the current Pirates regime,impressed in Spring Training last year,earning a starting spot with his blistering fastball and devastating slider.
Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, quickly became a sensation.Despite his late-season debut in 2024, he finished in the top three of Cy Young voting, captivating fans with his 100 mph fastballs and his newly invented “splinker” pitch.
the two have become inseparable friends, dubbed the “Allegheny Electric Company” and the “Hundo Boys” for their electrifying pitching performances. Their bond, forged on the diamond years ago, now forms the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh pirates’ pitching staff, a testament to their shared passion and exceptional talent.
High School Showdown: A Glimpse of Future Baseball stars
Long before thrilling fans as major league pitchers, Jared Jones and Paul Skenes faced off in a high school baseball game that previewed their promising futures. The matchup, though less prominent at the time, pitted two budding stars against each other, offering a glimpse into their contrasting personalities and undeniable talent.
Jones, known for his fiery intensity on the mound, was already turning heads with his raw talent. His la mirada teammate, Roman Rho, remembers Jones’ exceptional dedication to baseball, a passion that was evident even back then.** “Something seniors would typically do to rookies,” Rho recalled.”He was just that passionate about baseball, and that’s something you don’t see from a lot of guys, especially at the high school level.”
Skenes, on the other hand, was more reserved, a calm and collected presence on the diamond. His coach, Mike gonzales, recalls Skenes’ exceptional physicality and raw power. “He had some of the most raw power I’ve ever had come through El toro,” Gonzales said.
The game itself wasn’t the main attraction. The spotlight was on El Toro’s starting pitcher, Erik Tolman, a highly touted prospect headed to Arizona State.However, due to a rainout and venue change, some scouts couldn’t attend. For Jones, who was already attracting attention from college scouts, the game served as another opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Looking back, the game was a prelude to the success both pitchers would achieve. It wasn’t just about the score, but about the foreshadowing of two impactful careers about to unfold.
## High school Showdown: Future MLB Stars Clash in Tight Contest
In a riveting high school baseball matchup, future major League Baseball stars Paul skenes and Jared Jones faced off in a pitching duel that captivated fans.Jones, a sophomore at the time, showcased his powerful arm, touching 97 mph on the radar gun. Despite five walks, Jones managed to strike out seven El Toro batters, demonstrating his raw talent and potential. Skenes, known for his prowess as a pitcher, also impressed at the plate, recording his first high school hit with a single off Jones.
Skenes’ defensive skills shone through as well. He struck out Jones twice in the game, including once in a crucial moment with the potential winning run on base.
The game remained a nail-biter until the bottom of the seventh inning.El Toro’s batters capitalized on Jones’ admitted struggles with his slider and curveball,stringing together four consecutive singles to secure a walk-off victory. Nathan Church, a future St. Louis Cardinals draft pick, delivered the final blow with a clutch single to right field.
The intense contest highlighted the early promise of both Jones and Skenes,who would go on to achieve great things in professional baseball.
Hometown Heroes: Former High School Rivals Team Up in the Majors
Two former high school baseball rivals are now Major League teammates,uniting a community and showcasing the talent nurtured in their hometown.
Jared Jones, a pitcher for the PittsburghPirates, and Diego Cartaya, a catcher for the Los Angeles dodgers, once faced off on the diamond at La Mirada high School. In a memorable 2018 game, their high school teams, La Mirada and El Toro High School, battled it out, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill.
Fast forward to the present, and Jones and Cartaya find themselves playing on the same team, demonstrating the unexpected twists and turns life can take. Their journey from high school rivals to Major League teammates highlights the remarkable athletic talent that has emerged from their communities.
“If there’s one thing about La Mirada, they love their sports,” said Scott Zurn, Jones’ former coach at La Mirada High School. “Jared’s that hometown hero kid right now.”
neither Zurn nor Fernando Gonzales, Cartaya’s former coach at El Toro High School, can recall another instance where two opposing players from their schools became Major League teammates. The unexpected reunion underscores the depth of talent that exists in both communities.
“Pride, it’s an understatement,” Zurn said. “From a coach standpoint, that’s what it’s all about.”
The story of Jared Jones and paul Skenes is a captivating tale of talent, friendship, and perseverance, tracing their journey from high school rivals to becoming the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching staff. Here’s a summary of their remarkable journey:
High school Rivals, MLB Aces: The Story of pythagorean Pirates’ Pitching Duo
Jared Jones and Paul Skenes, the dynamic pitching duo leading the Pittsburgh Pirates into the 2025 season, share a connection that dates back to their days as high school rivals.
Their first matchup, a fierce high school season opener, served as a preview of their future dominance.
Both pitchers were highly touted prospects. Jones, a freshman closer who wowed wiht his high velocity, and Skenes, a freshman heralded for his remarkable talent, attracted attention from across Southern California.
The game itself lived up to the hype, deemed a “Major League game in high school” by La Mirada left fielder Brandon Rho.
Years later, their paths converged in the Majors, both donning the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jones,the first pitching selection of the current Pirates regime,impressed in Spring Training last year,earning a starting spot with his blistering fastball and devastating slider.
Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, quickly became a sensation.Despite his late-season debut in 2024,he finished in the top three of Cy Young voting,captivating fans with his 100 mph fastballs and his newly invented “splinker” pitch.
the two have become inseparable friends, dubbed the “Allegheny electric Company” and the “Hundo Boys” for their electrifying pitching performances. Their bond, forged on the diamond years ago, now forms the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh pirates’ pitching staff, a testament to their shared passion and remarkable talent.
High School Showdown: A Glimpse of Future Baseball stars
Long before thrilling fans as major league pitchers, Jared Jones and Paul Skenes faced off in a high school baseball game that previewed their promising futures. The matchup, though less prominent at the time, pitted two budding stars against each other, offering a glimpse into their contrasting personalities and undeniable talent.
Jones,known for his fiery intensity on the mound,was already turning heads with his raw talent. His la mirada teammate, Roman Rho, remembers Jones’ exceptional dedication to baseball, a passion that was evident even back then.** “Something seniors would typically do to rookies,” Rho recalled.”He was just that passionate about baseball, and that’s something you don’t see from a lot of guys, especially at the high school level.”
Skenes,on the other hand,was more reserved,a calm and collected presence on the diamond.His coach, Mike gonzales, recalls Skenes’ exceptional physicality and raw power. “He had some of the most raw power I’ve ever had come through El toro,” Gonzales said.
The game itself wasn’t the main attraction.The spotlight was on El Toro’s starting pitcher, Erik Tolman, a highly touted prospect headed to Arizona State.However, due to a rainout and venue change, some scouts couldn’t attend. For Jones, who was already attracting attention from college scouts, the game served as another opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Looking back, the game was a prelude to the success both pitchers would achieve. It wasn’t just about the score, but about the foreshadowing of two impactful careers about to unfold.
## High school Showdown: Future MLB Stars Clash in Tight Contest
In a riveting high school baseball matchup, future major League Baseball stars Paul skenes and Jared Jones faced off in a pitching duel that captivated fans.Jones, a sophomore at the time, showcased his powerful arm, touching 97 mph on the radar gun. Despite five walks, Jones managed to strike out seven el Toro batters, demonstrating his raw talent and potential. Skenes, known for his prowess as a pitcher, also impressed at the plate, recording his first high school hit with a single off Jones.
Skenes’ defensive skills shone through as well. He struck out Jones twice in the game, including once in a crucial moment with the potential winning run on base.
The game remained a nail-biter until the bottom of the seventh inning.El Toro’s batters capitalized on Jones’ admitted struggles with his slider and curveball,stringing together four consecutive singles to secure a walk-off victory. Nathan Church, a future St. Louis Cardinals draft pick, delivered the final blow with a clutch single to right field.
The intense contest highlighted the early promise of both Jones and Skenes,who would go on to achieve great things in professional baseball.
Hometown Heroes: Former High School Rivals Team Up in the Majors
Two former high school baseball rivals are now Major League teammates,uniting a community and showcasing the talent nurtured in their hometown.
Jared Jones, a pitcher for the PittsburghPirates, and Diego Cartaya, a catcher for the Los Angeles dodgers, once faced off on the diamond at La Mirada high School. In a memorable 2018 game, their high school teams, la Mirada and El toro High School, battled it out, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill.
fast forward to the present, and Jones and Cartaya find themselves playing on the same team, demonstrating the unexpected twists and turns life can take. Their journey from high school rivals to Major League teammates highlights the remarkable athletic talent that has emerged from their communities.
“If there’s one thing about La Mirada, they love their sports,” said Scott Zurn, Jones’ former coach at La Mirada High School. “Jared’s that hometown hero kid right now.”
neither Zurn nor Fernando Gonzales, Cartaya’s former coach at El Toro High School, can recall another instance where two opposing players from their schools became Major League teammates.The unexpected reunion underscores the depth of talent that exists in both communities.
“Pride, it’s an understatement,” Zurn said. “from a coach standpoint, that’s what it’s all about.”
FAQs
**Q: How did Jared Jones and Paul Skenes first meet?**
A: Jones and skenes first met as high school rivals in a highly anticipated season opener.
**Q: What makes their pitching duo unique?**
A: aside from their dominant pitching, Jones and Skenes are known as close friends, earning them nicknames like the “Allegheny Electric Company.”
**Q: What remarkable feat did Skenes achieve in his rookie season?**
A: Paul Skenes finished in the top three of National League Cy Young voting, an notable accomplishment for a rookie.
**Q: What is the “splinker” pitch that Skenes throws?**
A: The “splinker” is Skenes’ unique pitch that combines elements of a splitter and a slider.
