Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any better, Paul Skenes is already making history in his second start. His debut at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs was one of the most anticipated in the sport’s history, as the former first overall pick made his big league start less than a year after being drafted.
Against those same Cubs, Skenes made MLB history by becoming the first pitcher to strike out the first seven (or more) batters in a game and finish the day without allowing a hit. WHAT!!! In just his second start, this is the level of performance we’re witnessing?! From start to finish, it was total domination by the rookie right-hander.
Paul Skenes continued his impressive start by etching his name into the record books in just his second MLB appearance. His debut at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs was highly anticipated, as the former first overall pick made his big league start less than a year after being drafted.
In his second start, also against the Cubs, Skenes made MLB history by becoming the first pitcher to strike out the first seven (or more) batters in a game and finish the day without allowing a hit. Skenes completed six innings, allowing zero hits, one walk, and tallying 11 strikeouts. He delivered a dozen fastballs at least 100 MPH and showed improved control compared to his debut, where he struggled to hit the zone. This was his longest outing yet, throwing 100 pitches before being relieved in the seventh. Despite showing signs of fatigue, Skenes finished strong, and manager Derek Shelton praised his performance, indicating he would likely see more time on the mound in future outings. Shelton remarked, “I mean, the first three innings, it’s about as good as it gets. I mean, seven punch [on] the first nine hitters? You don’t see that.”
Skenes set several records during the game. He became the first Pirate to strike out 11 batters at Wrigley Field and was only the fourth Pirate to record 10 strikeouts in a game before turning 22. Additionally, his strikeout of Miles Mastrobuoni, clocked at 101.2 MPH, was the fastest strikeout by a Pirate in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), a feat he has achieved twice.
Reflecting on his historic performance, the 21-year-old Skenes said, “I think that’s something I’ll appreciate even more the next couple days. Wrigley is awesome, playing those guys, Friday day game. I had heard all about the day games at Wrigley and the vibe there. It was really cool.”
As a writer, it’s tempting to dream about a World Series parade, but it’s important to take it one game at a time. Nonetheless, it’s an exciting time for baseball in Pittsburgh.
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