Thread by @nytimes

⚾️ Baseball already has six no-hitters this season — a record pace.

Here’s a look at what’s going on, and why they’re occurring at such an extraordinary rate. nyti.ms/2RCjUWy

First: Pitchers are better than ever. Hitters seem worse than ever.

Teams averaged 7.82 hits per game through May 19 — the second-lowest in history behind 1908, according to Baseball Reference — and struck out a record 8.98 times a game. nyti.ms/2RCjUWy

The pace this year edges 1917 for the fastest start in major league history. That season, baseball raced to its fifth no-hitter by May 6 — despite not starting the season until April 11 — but did not get a sixth no-hitter until June 23. nyti.ms/2RCjUWy

This year, there's a focus on power pitching and batters’ are emphasizing power hitting over just making contact. As a result, players are hitting a record-low .236 and scoring is down significantly for a second consecutive season. nyti.ms/2RCjUWy

The trend this season is raising questions about how baseball could already have so many no-hitters so early in the year — and what it means for the game.

Read more, and follow @NYTSports to keep an eye out for the next no-hitter. nyti.ms/2RCjUWy