Paul Skenes broke the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rookie record for strikeouts in a season on Monday.
He achieved this with nine strikeouts over six innings against the Miami Marlins, allowing only one earned run and one walk. This performance brought his season total to 151 strikeouts, surpassing Cy Blanton’s 1935 record.
Paul Skenes counting his 9 Strikeouts. 🤣
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja)
Skenes now joins an elite group of rookie pitchers, including Dwight Gooden, Kerry Wood, and Mark Prior, who have struck out 150 or more batters in 20 or fewer starts. In his 20 starts this year, he boasts a 2.10 ERA and a K/BB ratio of 4.87. His consistency is evident as he averages six innings per start and has delivered quality starts in 70% of his outings. Impressively, he strikes out 32.3% of batters faced—just behind Chris Sale’s rate if he had enough innings to qualify.
“It’s a game and I think the biggest thing is focused on being in the moment and staying present,” Skenes told reporters after Monday’s game . “All that other stuff is cool, but I think that’s a product of being in the moment and staying present over the course of the season.”
Skenes’ Dominant Arsenal:
With a fastball that often hits triple digits and a devastating “splinker” hybrid pitch among his five-pitch mix, Skenes has been outstanding in his first professional season since being drafted No.1 overall from LSU last year.
Despite barely pitching after being drafted last year, this season marks his first full campaign as a pro. The Pirates kept him in Triple-A until May 11th; still, he’s now considered for National League Rookie of the Year honors and even as an outside shot for NL Cy Young.
Fans might feel mixed emotions about this news: excitement for Skenes but disappointment with the team’s overall performance.
The Pirates are struggling with a disappointing record of 68-76 this season, stuck at last place in NL Central. Yet Skenes’ incredible debut provides some solace to both the organization and its supporters.
What do you think about Paul Skenes’ amazing performance?
