Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start

Prior to Skenes' 11-strikeout afternoon, the previous record for the most K's by a Pirates pitcher at Wrigley was 10, accomplished by JT Brubaker (2022), Chris Archer (2019), Jordan Lyles (2019), Gerrit Cole (2014), Bob Veale (1969) and Kirby Higbe (1947), per Stathead. 

The 2023 No. 1 overall pick dazzled from the first pitch on Friday, starting the game with seven consecutive strikeouts, three looking. He would finish the outing with only one blemish on his stat line – a walk in the fifth inning. 

Skenes' performance on Friday was history-making even outside the context of Wrigley. According to Baseball Reference, he is the first pitcher to record six no-hit innings with 10 or more strikeouts in one of their first two career starts. 

Skenes was impressive-yet-shaky in his MLB debut on May 11 against the same Cubs team. He struggled with location, but his nasty pitching repertoire was on full display, helping him strike out seven batters over four innings of work. 

On Friday, though, everything clicked for Skenes. His command was obviously better, as proven by his pinpoint command on several strikeouts, which left Cubs batters standing with bats still on their shoulders. 

What could be in store for the budding hurler's next start – which will likely come at home against the San Francisco Giants – remains to be seen. But, after only two outings in the major leagues, Skenes has already shown the makings of an ace, a title he might hold sooner rather than later.