Pittsburgh’s rookie sensation, Paul Skenes, wrapped up his impressive debut season in the MLB by showcasing his talent with a stellar performance at Yankee Stadium. The 22-year-old right-hander retired six batters in a row, notably striking out New York’s star players Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in his last outing.
Throughout the season, Skenes displayed his prowess on the pitching mound, finishing with a remarkable 11-3 record and an outstanding 1.96 ERA in 23 starts totaling 133 innings. Despite falling short of qualifying for the National League ERA title by 29 innings, he managed to strike out 170 batters while issuing only 32 walks.
Skenes’ impressive ERA ranks as the second-lowest for a rookie with a minimum of 20 starts since ERA became an official statistic in both leagues in 1913, putting him just above Reb Russell’s 1.90 for the Chicago White Sox in 1913. The young pitcher made a name for himself by consistently throwing pitches over 100 mph, ending the season with exactly 100 pitches at or above that speed. Los Angeles Angels’ José Soriano trails in second place among starting pitchers with 40.
In his standout performance at Yankee Stadium, Skenes impressed both fans and critics alike. With his girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, cheering him on from the stands, he delivered a blazing 99.8 mph fastball that struck out Soto looking. Judge also fell victim to Skenes’ pitching prowess, swinging for a breaking ball that caught him off guard.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Skenes for his remarkable season before the game, noting his rapid rise from being the first pick to starting in the All-Star game. The pitcher’s consistency and dominance on the field have made him a standout performer in the league and a force to be reckoned with.
As the season draws to a close, Skenes remains a top contender for the NL Rookie of the Year title, with his exceptional performance setting him apart from other rookies. Another notable contender for the award is Arizona outfielder Jackson Merrill, who boasts impressive stats including a .292 batting average, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.
Overall, Skenes’ rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular, solidifying his place as a rising star in the MLB. Fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his future in the league as he continues to make waves with his skill and determination on the field.
