Skenes makes Yankees debut

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' rookie sensation, showcased his talent in a brief but impressive outing at Yankee Stadium, striking out both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. In just two innings, Skenes retired all six batters he faced, ending his rookie season with an outstanding 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, making him a favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Skenes, noting his ease and command on the mound. Despite the Pirates not contending for the playoffs, Skenes' performance highlighted his potential as a future star in Major League Baseball. His 1.96 ERA is the second-lowest for a rookie since the statistic became official in 1913, further emphasizing his remarkable season. Skenes' dominant year included 23 starts and a record of 11-3, with his fastball regularly exceeding 100 mph.