Somebody must go get Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes some assist. Or possibly a hug, not less than.
Skenes could make an argument for being one of the best pitcher within the recreation, in simply his second season. He’s eighth amongst pitchers in strikeouts, his 2.05 ERA is second within the NL and he’s one in every of 9 gamers within the league thus far with a whole recreation below their belt. If we need to speak WAR as a pitcher, Skenes is on the prime of the NL.
In his newest begin towards the Houston Astros, Skenes went eight innings, gave up three hits and one earned run, however struck out eight gamers and in addition did this:
The Pirates misplaced 3-0.
Skenes is the embodiment of the “fancy automotive in a cell residence” meme, as a result of he’s breaking data and brains together with his pitching, whereas the Pirates swing at every part however the ball on the opposite facet. He can’t present his personal run help, so he has to return on the market after watching the Pirates (who’re twenty sixth in batting common as a group, twenty fifth in hits and have just one extra run scored as a group than the Colorado Rockies…who’re 11-50) fart round on the plate.
In response to Codify, in Skenes’ 13 begins he’s solely allowed 19 runs, however the Pirates have misplaced eight of these video games. What Skenes is doing may very well be thought-about historic, as a result of there haven’t been many individuals to be as dominant as him whereas watching his teammates collapse.
Paul Skenes is the primary pitcher since Pedro Martinez in 2000 to lose two begins in a season with these stats:
◽️ 8+ IP◽️ 1 or 0 R◽️ 1 or 0 BB◽️ 8+ Ok
H/T @jayhaykid pic.twitter.com/CRe03a3eaO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 4, 2025
We’ve got a brand new Tungsten Arm O’Doyle, and he resides in Pittsburgh.
