Pirates pull Paul Skenes after 6 no-hit innings against Cubs
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.
100mph on his 100th Pitch. pic.twitter.com/84tpA5huyV
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2024
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.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
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