Yankees get taste of Paul Skenes’ utter dominance in rookie’s final start

The New York Yankees got a small taste of why Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes is the expected winner of the National League Rookie of the Year award.

In the final start of what has been an incredible rookie campaign, Skenes only went two innings before being pulled — given the Pirates aren’t playing for anything.

Even in two innings, Skenes put on a show in The Bronx. He was perfect in his two innings while recording three strikeouts on 23 pitches.

In the first inning, Skenes got Yankees top prospect Jasson Dominguez to ground out before facing Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

Skenes struck out both superstars with ease. First, he froze Soto by painting the corner on a front-door fastball. Then, he got Judge to swing and miss on a slider outside.

Paul Skenes roasting Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/V2rzmqsIlq

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2024Paul Skenes dismissing Aaron Judge. pic.twitter.com/NBvI95ywu2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2024In the second inning, Skenes channeled his inner Mariano Rivera by shattering the bat of Giancarlo Stanton.

Paul Skenes explodes Stanton’s bat Mariano-style. pic.twitter.com/QNWMP3C8xD

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2024Skenes ended his day with another filthy front-door fastball to strike out Jazz Chisholm.

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2024It’s difficult to imagine Skenes not getting the National League Rookie of the Year award. He finishes the season with an 11-3 record in 23 starts, a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP.

His 1.96 ERA is the lowest for a rookie with at least 20 starts since Reb Russell had a 1.90 ERA in 1913.

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