PITTSBURGH — There’s a case to be made that Paul Skenes’ first 50 starts have been some of the most anticipated and talked about for a starting pitcher in the game’s history. There’s also a case to be made that his first 50 starts have yielded some of the best results as well.
Skenes made career start No. 50 in Sunday’s 4-0 win vs. the Rockies at PNC Park and turned in yet another gem, striking out seven over seven scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and did not walk a batter.
The performance lowered his career ERA to 2.02. Since the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920, the only starting pitcher with a lower ERA through his first 50 starts is Vida Blue, who recorded a 2.01 clip from 1969-1972.
Lowest ERA through 50 career starts
In Live Ball Era (since 1920)
1. Vida Blue: 2.01 (1969-72)
2. Paul Skenes: 2.02 (2024-25)
3-T. Howie Pollet: 2.15 (1941-46)
3-T. Orel Hershiser: 2.15 (1984-85)
3-T. Jerry Koosman: 2.15 (1967-69)
Skenes is also trying to join Dwight Gooden as the only pitchers to win Rookie of the Year and then the Cy Young in their second season. Now boasting a 2.07 ERA and 181 strikeouts over 161 innings, Skenes is the perceived frontrunner for the National League’s most prestigious pitching honor.
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