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Paul Skenes Shatters Records Amid Pirates' Struggles

9/25/2025

38 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Paul Skenes finished the 2025 season with a 1.97 ERA, the youngest under 2.00 since Dwight Gooden in 1985.
He set Pirates single-season strikeout record with 216, surpassing Mitch Keller's 210.
He went 10-10, reflecting the Pirates' struggles despite his success.
As a leading NL Cy Young contender, he says winning matters more than stats and wants to keep pitching.

History

Historical Context

In 1985, Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets recorded a remarkable 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts, establishing himself as a dominant pitcher. Fast forward to 2025, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates achieved a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts, reflecting a similar trajectory despite the team's ongoing struggles, underscoring the challenge for pitchers to excel amid poor team performance.

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Story summary

Paul Skenes finished the 2025 season with a 1.97 ERA, the youngest under 2.00 since Dwight Gooden in 1985.
He set Pirates single-season strikeout record with 216, surpassing Mitch Keller's 210.
He went 10-10, reflecting the Pirates' struggles despite his success.
As a leading NL Cy Young contender, he says winning matters more than stats and wants to keep pitching.

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