There was a small debate about Paul Skenes' selection to the All-Star Game, given he entered Thursday with fewer than 60 innings on the season. That debate likely ended in Milwaukee.
Skenes was electrifying in his matinee start against the Brewers, mowing down one hitter after another in a game that mirrored his memorable second MLB start against the Cubs in May.
The Pirates ace hasn't looked even the slightest bit intimidated since he first put on the Pirates uniform two months ago, carrying a strikeout rate of nearly 12 per nine innings and a 2.12 ERA through 10 starts. Those stunning numbers now look even better after Thursday's performance.
Here's a look at Skenes' stats from his dominant start against the Brewers.
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Paul Skenes stats today
Skenes tossed seven hitless innings in Milwaukee on Thursday, striking out 11 batters and walking just one. He exited after 99 pitches as the Pirates monitored the 22-year-old's innings.
Skenes made his best effort to get through a full inning by the time he reached the sixth, as he posted back-to-back innings of seven and six pitches, respectively, but manager Derek Shelton pulled the plug with a 1-0 lead.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes told MLB Network after the game.
"... Obviously, in a 1-0 game, you want to stay in there, you want to finish it, but the volume's getting up there a little bit so I get it."
It's the second time this season Skenes has exited without allowing a hit. He tossed six hitless innings in his second start against the Cubs in May, also striking out 11 and walking one. The No. 1 pick delivered a nearly identical outing on Thursday, seemingly only getting better as the game went on.
Paul Skenes, 9th K thru 4. 😯 pic.twitter.com/EUj4fkkfri
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 11, 2024
Individual no-hitters have always been rare for even the best arms in the league, but it's starting to feel like only a matter of time until Skenes puts one together. In fact, all that's holding him back right now might be efficiency. A high number of strikeouts can quickly elevate a pitcher's pitch count, and it didn't help that Skenes put two runners on base in the second inning (hit-by-pitch, walk) against the Brewers.
Those who are disappointed Skenes didn't get a chance to complete the no-hitter can still look forward to Tuesday when the phenom will be ready to pitch in the All-Star Game on full rest.
With Chris Sale pitching Sunday and Zack Wheeler's status up in the air after he left his last start with a lower back injury, Skenes could very well start the Midsummer Classic for the National League. His case just got stronger on Thursday.
MORE: Explaining Paul Skenes' unique splinker pitch
Paul Skenes stats 2024
Here are Skenes' updated stats through 11 career starts:
| Starts | 11 |
| IP | 66.1 |
| W-L | 5-0 |
| ERA | 1.90 |
| WHIP | 0.92 |
| K | 89 |
| K/9 | 12.1 |