Paul Skenes breaks century-old Pirates record for most strikeouts as a Rookie
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes added to his stellar debut major league season on Monday. The Pirates won the game 3-2 against the Miami Marlins. During the series opener against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park, Skenes reached 143 strikeouts, breaking the franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie in a single season.
The previous record of 142 strikeouts was set by a Pirates rookie in 1900. Skenes entered Monday’s game with a 9-2 win-loss record, an impressive 2.13 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP.
Paul Skenes started by giving up a single to the Marlins’ Xavier Edwards, putting him on first base. Shortly after, he struck out Connor Norby, who went 0-3, recording his 143rd strikeout of the 2024 season.
The first inning ended when Jake Burger grounded into a double play, getting out at first base, while Edwards was tagged out at second base. In the second inning, Paul Skenes recorded two more strikeouts, gave up two singles and induced a groundout to end the inning without allowing any runs.
Skenes started the next inning by getting Marlins’ Nick Fortes to line out. He then committed a missed catch error, allowing Xavier Edwards to reach base. After recording another strikeout against Connor Norby and inducing a flyout from Jake Burger, the third inning ended.
Paul Skenes went on to pitch three more innings. He finished the game with six innings pitched, allowing six hits, one earned run, and one walk while striking out nine batters.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton opens up about Paul Skenes' impressive progress in tough situations
Paul Skenes’ last outing was against the Chicago Cubs, where he threw 100 pitches over five innings without giving up any runs. In the first two innings, he worked through tough situations with the bases loaded, allowing four hits, walking four batters and striking out six. Over his past four starts, Skenes has won three games with a 1.64 ERA.
Discussing the same, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said (via Reuters):
"I think any situation he has like that is just going to make him better. Like we've talked about numerous times, a lot of people go through this in the minor leagues, and he's going through it at the major league level."
The Pittsburgh Pirates (68-76), with a .472 winning percentage, are currently ranked last in the NL Central standings.