Paul Skenes shares emotions of breaking SEC, LSU strikeout record

Thursday was a special night for LSU ace Paul Skenes in more ways than one.

In addition to helping the Tigers reach the College World Series, Skenes also broke the SEC and LSU strikeout record, which was previously held by Ben McDonald. The current ESPN commentator finished his career with 202 strikeouts, while Skenes entered Thursday’s game with 200.

Skenes struck out nine Wake Forest batters on Thursday, and he set the new record at 209 in the process. After the game, Skenes shared his emotions of breaking McDonald’s SEC and LSU strikeout record.

“I’ve gotten to talk with Ben a lot. And he called a lot of our games. Obviously had a really good career at LSU and in the Major Leagues,” Skenes said. “It’s cool. And it’s cool to leave a legacy.”

Skenes has certainly done that as he is a big reason why the Tigers are two wins away from a national title.

The righty tossed eight scoreless innings against Wake Forest, before Tommy White blasted a two-run home run in the 11th inning to lift the Tigers to a win.

Now LSU will face Florida in a three-game series, with the winner clinching the national title. It’s unlikely that Skenes would pitch again until Monday after tossing 120 pitches Thursday night, but perhaps he will add to his strikeout record again before the season ends.

Ben McDonald reacts to Paul Skenes breaking his long-standing SEC strikeout record

Former LSU ace Ben McDonald took to Twitter to congratulate current Tigers ace Paul Skenes on breaking his strikeout record.

“Records are made to be broken…it gives dreamers something to strive for!” McDonald tweeted. “Never easy to see ur record broken but it’s a lot sweeter when it stays in the @LSUbaseball family…congrats to @Paul_Skenes you deserve it kid! Now….Geaux win it all! #4everLSU.”

If McDonald could have chosen anyone to break his record, Skenes may very well have been his choice. As another LSU Tiger, the SEC single-season strikeout leader still pitched in Baton Rouge.

Skenes also broke the record in spectacular fashion. He pitched eight shutout innings against Wake Forest, matching and surpassing the Demon Deacons’ ace, Rhett Lowder. He added nine strikeouts total to his tally too, breaking the record when he hit 203 on the season and setting the record at 209.

LSU is advancing to the College World Series Finals. There, the Tigers will take on the Florida Gators. If Skenes pitches in that series, it will be on short rest.