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Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes makes MLB history with another dominant outing

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Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes makes MLB history with another dominant outing

Paul Skenes is living up to the hype.

In fact, he’s blowing right by it.

The LSU product was taken by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the No. 1 overall selection in last year’s MLB Draft, and after dominating the minor leagues, they called him up earlier this season.

By the time he got the call, Skenes was the top pitching prospect in baseball and ranked third overall.

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Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the third inning of a game against the New York Mets at PNC Park July 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh.  (Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Now, he’s one of the best pitchers in the game.

Entering Friday night, the 22-year-old had a 2.06 ERA through nine MLB starts, allowing three runs or less in each of them. His only game allowing three earned runs was in his MLB debut.

He consistently hits 100 mph on the radar gun with devastating off-speed pitches, which has made him a strikeout machine.

Friday marked his 10th major league start, and the ninth in which he recorded at least seven strikeouts, setting the Major League record for the most in a player’s first 10 games to start a career – he struck out eight New York Mets in seven innings of two-run ball.

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The only time he didn’t strike out that many batters was on May 23, his third start, when he had just three punchouts against the San Francisco Giants.

Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning of a game against the New York Mets at PNC Park July 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)

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Since then, it’s been seven straight outings with seven or more strikeouts, which also set a franchise record dating back to 1882.

His career-high in strikeouts so far is 11, which he did in his second start against the Chicago Cubs.

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He and fellow rookie Jared Jones have helped the Pirates remain in the wild-card race. They entered the night four games out, but it looks like they found themselves an ace for years to come.

Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks to the dugout after the top of the first inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park June 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh.  (Justin Berl/Getty Images)

His noted mustache and relationship with LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne have also helped him reach superstar status across the country, but he doesn’t need much off the field to be loved by Bucs fans.

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Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

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Jerry Jones opens up on Cowboys’ shortcomings during 2025 season

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The Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought increased to 30 years as the team was eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday and then lost to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Cowboys showed tremendous heart during the season after the defense was gutted when star pass rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Dallas picked up big wins over the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, as well as a tie with the Packers.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

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Ultimately, the Cowboys lost their last three games and found themselves on the outside looking in on the playoffs once more. Dallas dropped to 6-8-1 after the loss to Los Angeles, and team owner Jerry Jones opened up about some of the team’s shortcomings.

“I really am better when I’m getting my a– kicked than I am when I’m having success,” he said, via The Athletic. “I’ve seen some of the decisions I’ve made work.

“We get one team that gets to go to that Super Bowl every year. Two that get to go to those (conference championship) playoff games. I’m looking forward next year to getting back in that championship game and maybe beyond. And then I’ll be right at the top of the list of how long it’s been since you’ve been to one. And that’s how you do it. Right at the top. And this will all go away.”

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) prepares to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Jones did take away some positivity from the 2025 season. He acknowledged the team “underachieved” but there were some things that the team could carry forward into 2026.

Particularly, Jones said he was impressed with how Dak Prescott played during the year.

Prescott has 4,175 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes this season. He’s leading the NFL in completions (378) and passing attempts (552). Both George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

“I am pleased with what we have in Dak, very pleased going forward,” he said, via the team’s website. “Nothing we’ve done so far this season gives me anything but optimism about going forward at one of the key, if not the key position.”

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Dallas has the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants left on its schedule.

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Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

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Palisades starts out as City Section basketball favorite in top 10 rankings

It’s time to take a look at the City Section’s top boys’ basketball teams a little more than a month into the season:

1. PALISADES (2-4): The Popoola twins, EJ and OJ, combined with freshman Phillip Reed, make the Dolphins the City Section Open Division title favorites.

2. WASHINGTON PREP (6-4): Jayshawn Kibble is a candidate for City player of the year.

3. CLEVELAND (5-4): Sophomore guard Charlie Adams becomes eligible Friday.

4. GRANADA HILLS (6-3): Help coming when sit-out transfer period ends Friday.

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5. SAN PEDRO (7-3): Lots of varsity experience could result in Marine League title.

6. VENICE (5-8): Win over Fairfax, one-point loss to San Pedro.

7. BIRMINGHAM (4-2): Patriots like being under the radar.

8. TAFT (5-4): Turnaround showing progress ahead of schedule.

9. FAIRFAX (5-2): Young players making progress.

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10. EL CAMINO REAL (7-5): One-point loss to Chaminade offers hope.

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Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

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Broncos’ Pat Bryant placed on backboard, carted off field after scary hit in loss to Jaguars

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a vicious hit that was scary to look at.

Bryant was attempting to make a catch with just seconds left at Empower Field when Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown came flying in and crashed into him to break it up.

One could hear how hard Bryant was hit with the broadcast picking up the cracking of helmet and pads as he went to the turf.

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Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Bryant stayed down on the field after the play, and he wasn’t moving much as Broncos trainers came running out to look at him on the turf.

After several minutes of evaluation, Bryant was loaded onto a stretcher and carted off the field. There was obvious concern throughout the stadium for Bryant, and it was later reported that he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

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Broncos head coach Sean Payton, speaking after his first loss in 12 games, gave an update on Bryant, saying that he “had movement” in his extremities, and it was “encouraging” to see, per 9News’ Mike Klis.

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Of course, any time a player is loaded onto a stretcher, thoughts of the worst immediately enter the mind. Luckily, Bryant’s hospital visit was only to ensure everything was fine.

Pat Bryant of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field At Mile High on Dec. 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Broncos moved to 12-3 after the loss at home, a 34-20 defeat at the hands of a red-hot Jaguars squad who have now won six straight games.

At 11-4, the Jaguars remain one win above the Houston Texans for the AFC South lead, though they are likely headed to the playoffs one way or another.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have already clinched their shot at a Vince Lombardi Trophy, having won 12 games this season for the best record in the AFC to date. Only the New England Patriots could reach 12 wins this week if they defeat the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.”

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Bryant finished the game with five catches for 42 yards. He has totaled 27 catches for 347 yards and a touchdown this season in a loaded Broncos receiving room.

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