Pirates' Paul Skenes records back-to-back eight scoreless inning starts

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has been on fire in May, with back-to-back starts going 16 innings, giving up no runs, four hits, no walks, and 17 strikeouts. 

Little did Skenes know that he was in for another historic performance on May 12, following his dominant start on May 6. It's Skenes doing what he does best as the NL reigning Cy Young winner. 

Following these performances, Skenes has lowered his ERA to 1.98. In the May 6 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he retired the first 14 batters he faced. He went eight innings, allowing no runs, two hits, striking out seven, and threw 97 pitches. 

Against the Colorado Rockies, he recorded six straight strikeouts to start the game. As well, Skenes struck out the side for the third time through six innings. He was close to earning his first no-hitter bid, but Mickey Moniak broke it with a single to left-center field in the seventh inning. 

Skenes finished the night going eight innings, allowing one hit, no earned runs, and no walks while punching out 10. He also left the game with a 2-0 lead, throwing 89 pitches for the Pirates.