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

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.

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.