Paul Skenes has basically clinched the National League Cy Young Award in spite of the ridiculous lineup around him — and it was never more ridiculous than in a 2-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

The Pirates wasted an abbreviated but brilliant Skenes start and clinched their seventh straight losing season and 35th in 46 years since they won the World Series in 1979.

By all rights, Skenes should demand a trade this offseason. He won’t, of course, but who would begrudge him?

Of all the incredible Skenes numbers out there, this one stands out: He has made 24 starts (five innings or more) in his Pirates career in which he has allowed two or fewer earned runs and come out with either a loss or a no-decision.

May I repeat that?

Twenty-four times this man has allowed two earned r

See Full Page