Paul Skenes Says He Was ‘Pretty Close’ to Blacking Out amid 1st Career MLB ASG Start

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJuly 17, 2024

Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Paul Skenes is just 22 years old and in the middle of his rookie season, so he can be forgiven if starting in the All-Star Game fired him up almost too much.

“I don’t think I blacked out, but I was pretty close,” the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher told reporters Tuesday following his start in the American League’s 5-3 victory.

While his National League side came up short, Skenes did his job.

He worked a scoreless first inning that included a highly anticipated showdown against New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Juan Soto worked a walk with two outs and nobody on base, which allowed the American League’s cleanup hitter a chance to face Skenes.

B/R Walk-Off @BRWalkoffPaul Skenes gets Aaron Judge to groundout to complete a scoreless first inning 👏

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/kBXVIE0FS6

And Skenes delivered.

He induced a ground out on the first pitch against the six-time All-Star and 2022 American League MVP, which was the highlight of his first showing in the Midsummer Classic.

Considering the fireballer has a 1.90 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 66.1 innings through the first 11 starts of his career, he will surely have plenty more chances in future All-Star Games down the line.