Paul Skenes Puts on a Show for the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates had high expectations for rookie pitcher Paul Skenes when they called him up to the majors during the 2024 season, but few could have predicted his remarkable performance. Skenes showcased his exceptional talent on Sunday, striking out seven and allowing only three hits in seven scoreless innings during a 4-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

This outstanding performance brought Skenes' career ERA down to an impressive 2.02 over his first 50 starts, a figure that hasn't been seen in over five decades. According to MLB.com's Alex Stumpf, only Vida Blue boasts a better ERA through the first 50 career starts in the live ball era, with a 2.01 ERA achieved during his early years with the Oakland Athletics from 1969 to 1972.

Blue was dominant as well, winning the Cy Young Award in 1971 while leading the league with a 1.82 ERA. Skenes, with his current league-leading 2.07 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 181 strikeouts across 161 innings in 27 starts, is on track to potentially secure the same accolade in 2025 if he maintains his consistency.

“Just gotta do it in the next 50, and the 50 after that,” Skenes reflected on his success. “Consistency is the biggest thing, I feel. Being on the field, doing the same thing every day. That’s all you can ask for from players. Been pretty consistent to this point. Just got to keep going.”

Despite Skenes' stellar individual performance, the Pirates currently sit last in the National League Central with a record of 57-74. His 8-9 record provides a glimpse into the struggles of the team surrounding him, but it hasn't overshadowed his historic start in Major League Baseball.