MUST READ: Talented 21-years-Old creates “HISTORY” in crucial match up
In just his second start, Paul Skenes is already making history and challenging existing records, just when you thought things couldn’t get any better. Less than a year after being drafted, the former first overall choice made his big league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, making it one of the most anticipated in the history of the game.
In just his second start against the same Cubs, Skenes became the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out the first seven or more batters and finish the game with no hits allowed. HOWEVER! This is the kind of performance we’re talking about in just his second start, right? The rookie right-hander dominated everything from the beginning to the end.
"Go ahead and adjust. Good luck." -Paul Skenes on hitters having more film to watch now pic.twitter.com/nzq9wwStBc
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 17, 2024
After six innings, in which he gave up no hits, one walk, and eleven strikeouts, Skenes’ day came to an end. He also showed off his heat-producing twelve fastballs that touched 100 mph or more. In addition, the rookie phenom shown improved fastball control in his outing with 22 whiffs a opposed to his debut, where he had some trouble reaching the zone. In addition, Skenes threw 100 pitches during his longest outing on the mound to date, finishing the game until being relieved in the eighth. Even though he appeared worn out, Derek Shelton managed him well and will probably give him more time on the pitch in subsequent games. He finished strongly. When speaking about his performance, Shelton said this.
“Well, the first three innings are pretty much the best that can be found.” Seven punches [on] the first nine batters, what? You fail to notice that. Skenes entered the record books in a number of ways, the first of which was the history that was made that day. The fact that Skenes was the first Pirate to record 11 strikeouts at Wrigley Field and the fourth Bucco to throw for 10 strikeouts in a game before turning 22 were two of the most noteworthy. With a speed of 101.2 mph, Skenes’ strikeout of Miles Mastrobuoni also set a record for the fastest Pirate strikeout in the history of pitch-tracking (since 2008). By the way, just a week earlier, Skenes tied the record he set, so he accomplished that accomplishment twice.
With Paul Skenes on the mound, umpire Brian O'Nora had a correct call rate of only 84.8%.
For context the worst called game this season had a correct rate of 84.9%.#Cubs #Pirates pic.twitter.com/FYyNT2VFjX
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) May 18, 2024
I want to emphasize once more how young he is—just 21—and that this was only his second MLB start. Come on, I mean! The LSU man already looks like he’s setting himself up for a long run of dominance, but being the composed rookie that he is, he naturally decides to take it all in stride, make the most of a team victory, then step back and realize history is being created.
“I think I’ll appreciate that even more the next couple of days,” Skenes said. “Wrigley, playing those guys, Friday-day game is awesome.” I’d heard wonderful things about the atmosphere and day games at Wrigley Field. It was really fantastic.
I’m trying to take it one game at a time as a writer, and I know there are a lot of surprises in a Major League Baseball season. That being said, I can’t wait to buy my plane ticket home and see the World Series parade because I’m a huge fan! To sum up, I think Pittsburgh baseball is having a terrific time right now.
Pure filth 🤮
Every strikeout from Paul Skenes' first MLB win ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/QEVWWzekIM
— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2024
