Paul Skenes says ‘I feel like I’m one of them’ after hitless inning against MLB All-Stars

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Paul Skenes became the fifth rookie to start an All-Star Game, retiring Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson and Aaron Judge for the National League in a hitless first inning.

The 22-year-old right-hander, who has just 11 big league appearances, started Kwan with a 98.2 mph four-seamer and retired the major league batting leader on a 99.9 mph pitch with an 0-2 count that Kwan popped up. Henderson hit a weak comebacker on a 93.5 mph sinker and Juan Soto worked out a seven-pitch walk. Aaron Judge grounded into a forceout on the next pitch.

Skenes started the season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians and made 12 appearances before being called up to Pittsburgh.

The American League went on to a 5-3 win over the National League.

Related stories

• Former Indians pitcher named starter for MLB All-Star Game
• Indians: ‘It’s not every season that you get a player of this caliber and magnitude in Triple-A ‘
• Indy Indians phenom donates $100 to Gary Sinise Foundation for every strikeout