MLB NEWS: Brilliant 21-years-Old makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Removed from the game on Friday after reaching the 100-pitch mark, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes was unable to complete his six no-hit innings against the Chicago Cubs. Despite this, he left the field having achieved a historic feat at the iconic Wrigley Field.Skenes concluded his impressive performance with 11 strikeouts, setting a new record for the most strikeouts by a Pirates pitcher at the venerable Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in baseball.
The @Pirates have played 1,017 games at Wrigley Field.@Paul_Skenes' 11 strikeouts today are more than any Pirates starting pitcher in the previous 1,016. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ro4ELmCKEQ
— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2024
Before Paul Skenes’ impressive 11-strikeout performance, the record for the most strikeouts by a Pirates pitcher at Wrigley Field was 10, achieved by JT Brubaker (2022), Chris Archer (2019), Jordan Lyles (2019), Gerrit Cole (2014), Bob Veale (1969), and Kirby Higbe (1947), as reported by Stathead. During his standout outing on Friday, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick showcased his talent right from the start, opening the game with seven consecutive strikeouts, three of them looking. He maintained his dominance throughout the game, with only one walk marring an otherwise flawless performance. Skenes’ exceptional display went beyond Wrigley Field, as Baseball Reference notes that he is the first pitcher to achieve six no-hit innings with 10 or more strikeouts in one of their first two career starts.
In his MLB debut against the Cubs on May 11, Skenes displayed a mix of promise and inconsistency, struggling with control but showcasing his impressive pitching arsenal to strike out seven batters in four innings. However, in his latest outing, Skenes found his rhythm and displayed improved command, evident in his precise pitching that left Cubs batters frozen at the plate. As Skenes prepares for his next start, likely against the San Francisco Giants at home, his potential as a future ace is becoming increasingly apparent after just two outings in the majors. His rapid progression hints at a promising future in the league.
