Blake Snell showcases Cy Young prowess with back-to-back shutouts as Dodgers gear up for playoffs
Blake Snell is hitting his stride just when it matters most. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace left-hander has delivered two remarkable performances on the mound, achieving a feat that hasn’t been seen in 120 years.
Dominance on the Mound
In a commanding display against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, Snell threw for seven innings, allowing just two hits, issuing two walks, and striking out an impressive twelve batters. This performance followed a similarly stellar outing against the Colorado Rockies, where he pitched six innings, also yielding only two hits and two walks while fanning eleven batters. Remarkably, in both games, Snell did not allow a run or an extra-base hit.
To put this in historical context, the last pitcher to accomplish this level of excellence—recording 11 or more strikeouts, two or fewer hits, two or fewer walks, and no runs or extra-base hits across two consecutive starts—was none other than the legendary Cy Young in 1905, as highlighted by OptaStats. It’s a fitting comparison, especially considering that Snell himself is a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Resurgence After Injury
At 32 years old, Snell has battled injuries throughout the season, limiting his appearances. Nonetheless, in his ten starts, he boasts a commendable 2.44 ERA alongside 67 strikeouts over 55.1 innings pitched. This marks Snell’s debut season with the Dodgers, and he is ramping up his performance just in time to bolster the team’s efforts in defending their World Series title.
The last time Snell graced the World Series mound, he was playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020 against the Dodgers. Unfortunately, in a pivotal moment, he was removed from the game earlier than expected, a decision that stirred controversy and debate among fans and analysts alike.
Playoff Readiness
Fast forward five years, and Snell is demonstrating that he still possesses elite pitching capabilities. His recent outings suggest that he has emerged as a formidable opponent, one that rival teams will want to avoid as the playoffs approach. Achieving a pitching milestone that hasn’t been reached since the days of Cy Young is no small feat; it underscores Snell’s talent and readiness to make a significant impact as the postseason looms.
As the Dodgers prepare for the championship chase, Snell’s performance serves as a potent reminder of his potential to change the course of games, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
