Lookout Landing · May 9, 2018
James Paxton shows a different kind of dominance
James Paxton has had a week to remember. Last Wednesday, he completely dominated the Oakland Athletics, striking out 16 across seven scoreless innings. Yesterday, Paxton dominated the Toronto Blue Jays, not by striking everyone out, but by pitching a no-hitter—recording just seven strikeouts in his historic outing. For a little perspective, he’s the only pitcher in American League history to record 15+ strikeouts and a no-hitter in consecutive starts (h/t Grant Bronsdon). Paxton showed two different kinds of dominance in these two starts, each showing why he’s elevated himself to be one of the best pitchers in the American League.