Paul Skenes joins Nolan Ryan with historic stat after impressive outing vs. Brewers

Paul Skenes is becoming appointment television just a few starts into his MLB career. Another gem was hurled on Thursday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing seven no-hit innings with a walk, hit batter, and an amazing 11 strikeouts. Had Skenes not been around the 100-pitch mark, the Pirates likely would have sent him back out there.

You have to imagine Skenes will get his no-hitter one day. But for now, making baseball history and joining Nolan Ryan will have to do.

Skenes became just the second-ever pitcher to have multiple starts with no hits allowed and striking about at least 11 batters in a single season. Ryan is the only other one according to Opta Stats.

Pitchers to have multiple starts of 0 hits, 11+ strikeouts in a season:

Paul Skenes
Nolan Ryan

(via @OptaSTATS)

— Joe Block (@joe_block) July 11, 2024

The first occurrence of this from Skenes came in his second-ever start against the Chicago Cubs. Skenes threw six innings with no hits and just one walk, striking out exactly 11 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs saw the rookie pitcher out of LSU just a few days earlier as well, making the accomplishment all the more impressive.

Skenes has been able to pull off something Ryan did not, though. Both of Skenes’ performances have been on the road, separating himself in the modern era of baseball.

“In the modern era, only one MLB pitcher has had two road starts over the course of his entire career where he struck out 10+ batters, walked no more than one and didn’t allow a hit,” Opta said via X. “That one pitcher is the @Pirates‘ Paul Skenes.”

Paul Skenes has potential to start for NL in All-Star Game

Skenes is making all kinds of history these days. On Sunday, he was announced as a member of the NL All-Star team. Nobody has ever been the No. 1 overall pick and then been named an all-star the following year — now, Skenes has.

There is a chance the youngster could wind up being the starter too. Torey Lovullo of the Arizona Diamondbacks will be managing the National League and the decision is likely up to him. Watching Skenes go up against the top of the American League’s order would be a ton of fun.

With the All-Star break scheduled to begin after Sunday’s action, Skenes is likely done until Pittsburgh returns next Friday. Hopefully, a quick cameo in Arlington comes with a lot of flair before continuing to dazzle fans as the Pirates make a run to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.