The San Diego Padres might not make it into the postseason despite a late push, but one of their pitchers sure is trying to get a prestigious individual award.
Ace Blake Snell had yet another dominant outing and brought his ERA down to an elite 2.33 for the season.
He held the Colorado Rockies scoreless and hitless through seven innings, with four walks and 10 strikeouts.
His offense couldn’t back him and he ended up with a no-decision, although the Friars later won the game with a Xander Bogaerts walk-off home run.
Still, the level of dominance Snell has exercised over the opposition as of late has been astonishing.
It has been a while since he has conceded a hit.
“Batters have 0 hits in their last 39 AB vs. the @Padres‘ Blake Snell, the longest streak by an MLB starter since he himself held foes hitless for 41 straight AB in Aug/Sep 2021. Only one other pitcher in last 50 years has had 2 streaks of 39+: Nolan Ryan (47 in 1975, 40 in 1990),” OptaSTATS tweeted.
Batters have 0 hits in their last 39 AB vs. the @Padres' Blake Snell, the longest streak by an MLB starter since he himself held foes hitless for 41 straight AB in Aug/Sep 2021.
Only one other pitcher in last 50 years has had 2 streaks of 39+: Nolan Ryan (47 in 1975, 40 in 1990) pic.twitter.com/isPoCVAj8z
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 20, 2023
Snell has surrendered only one hit in his last two starts, a span that covers 13 innings in total.
He will walk a few hitters every once in a while, sure, but getting a hit off Snell is another story.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to do so, which is why he is becoming the favorite to win the NL Cy Young.
Justin Steele and Zac Gallen are worthy foes, but they didn’t fare well in their most recent outings.
Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves strikes out the world, but has a high ERA.
The best candidate, even with all the walks (97 in the season), might be Snell.
NEXT: Juan Soto Is Heating Up A Little Too Late
