Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes dazzled in his second MLB start Friday, blanking the Chicago Cubs over six no-hit innings, recording 11 strikeouts and one walk.
Skenes’ day at Wrigley Field came to an end after 100 pitches. The only baserunner he allowed was a fifth-inning walk to Michael Busch.
Paul Skenes, 11th K.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2024
100mph on his 100th Pitch. pic.twitter.com/84tpA5huyV
Skenes struck out the first seven batters he faced Friday, becoming the first Pirates pitcher to do so since 1900, per Elias Sports Bureau.
He is the third rookie pitcher ever to strike out seven in a row to begin a game, joining Jacob deGrom (2014) and Jim Deshaies (1986).
The MLB record for most strikeouts in a row to start a game is nine, set in 2021 by the Miami Marlins’ Pablo Lopez.
Behind Skenes, the Pirates pummeled Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks, plating eight runs before his afternoon ended after 4 2/3 innings.
At the time of Skenes’ departure, the Pirates led 8-0.
