Padres News: Blake Snell Makes History Following Dominant Start vs Dodgers

A big series win for San Diego.

In the midst of his best season since his Cy Young campaign in 2018, Padres starter Blake Snell is hoping to repeat the feat in 2023. 

Well on his way to doing so after another dominant start against the rival Dodgers, the southpaw has only aided his case by making some history on the road Wednesday night. 

Last 20 starts for the @Padres' Blake Snell:

1.31 ERA
12.54 K/9

He's the first pitcher in MLB history to have a sub-1.50 ERA with 12.50+ K/9 over a 20-start span in a single season. pic.twitter.com/Zj7E4goA9v

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) September 14, 2023

Impressive in every way this year, Snell's performance in 2023 has been on another level for San Diego. 

Though many critics will point to his high walk rate, the lack of efficiency with his pitch counts as a result or the fact that he can't go deep into games, Snell simply shoves and you can't argue with these results. 

Allowing just two baserunners in six dominant innings against the NL West leaders, Snell was a major part of the victory. 

In the win, Snell dropped his ERA to a 2.43, taking the crown from other presumed NL Cy Young favorite Justin Steele. 

Silencing the powerful Dodgers lineup all night, the southpaw pitched a clean game without any runs and just one hit allowed to Mookie Betts, mirroring his game 6 start in the 2020 World Series. 

Adding eight strikeouts to his already impressive total on the year, the Seattle native's punchout total is up to 217 on the year as well in what was a statement victory. 

Though the Padres won't catch the Dodgers in the divisional standings, playing spoiler to prevent their NL West Crown for another game will have to feel good for the impending free agent. 

Pitching as well as he has in his contract year, Snell is set to earn a massive contract from whoever offers for his services. 

Should he win his second Cy Young award in a new league this time around, the price of that contract would certainly rise.