Masterclass on the Mound
On Sunday, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out nine in a 6-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. His performance gave the Pirates a series sweep and solidified his status as the MLB’s best pitcher this season.
The Pirates are on a roll, having recorded their 13th team shutout of the season and allowing only one run in their last 31 innings. The D-backs suffered their second consecutive shutout loss and fifth defeat in the previous six games.
Skenes’ Numbers Tell the Story
This is Skenes’ fifteenth quality start, and his domination is remarkable.
His ERA is currently a Major League-best 1.83 this season, up from a career average of 1.89 over 45 starts—the third lowest in the Live Ball era.
He’s the only starter this year who hasn’t given up a first-inning run.
Despite his impressive stats, Skenes’ win-loss record fell to 6-8, emphasizing how little run support he frequently receives—echoing a larger theme of the Pirates’ erratic offense.
Game Highlights: Key Moments Unfold
Navigating Early Traffic.
Skenes faced runners in scoring position with less than two outs in the second and third innings, but he got out of both jams by striking out James McCann twice, once with a sharp changeup and again with a hard sweep.
Pirates strike back.
In the bottom of the second, Oneil Cruz walked and scored on Tommy Pham’s single to give Pittsburgh an early 1-0 lead. Cruz and Ke’Bryan Hayes subsequently added RBIs to widen the lead.
Insurance Runs Build in the Sixth and Eighth
Bryan Reynolds added two runs with a double. Cruz finished with two hits, including a double that scored Reynolds from first. Hayes finished the scoring with a two-run single.
Bullpen closes the door.
Relievers Caleb Ferguson and Carmen Mlodzinski combined to pitch three shutout innings, preserving the sweep.
Why This Win Matters
For Skenes.
He demonstrated once more why he is regarded a generational talent, with excellent command, deceptive secondary pitches, and the poise of a seasoned veteran. His desire to go deeper into games represents the Pirates’ workload management strategy.
For the Pirates.
This sweep gives the Pirates momentum—and marks their 13th shutout of the season, demonstrating pitching depth and defensive execution. With the trade deadline approaching, they may look to add bullpen help while keeping their key offensive players.
For Arizona.
The Diamondbacks offense has been static throughout the series, scoring only one run and going hitless with runners in scoring position in numerous games. Their trade deadline window is closing.
Standout Performers
Paul Skenes (P)
6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K
ERA drops to 1.83—the best in MLB and historically elite.
Dominated hitters with his changeup and sweeper, especially in key two-strike situations.
Oneil Cruz (CF)
Went 2‑for‑3, added two RBIs.
His runs were critical: scoring the first and later doubling for insurance.
Bryan Reynolds (OF)
Added a clutch RBI double, and scored off Cruz’s double—fueling the sixth-inning surge.
What Comes Next
The Pirates travel to San Francisco to begin the next series against the Giants, riding high on a sweep and a seven-game homestand.
The Diamondbacks go to Detroit, looking to turn around their developing offensive struggles in the Tigers series.
Paul Skenes’ supremacy remains undiminished—but until his team scores more frequently, his brilliance may continue to outperform the Pirates’ record.
Final Word
Sunday’s 6-0 triumph culminated another masterful performance by Paul Skenes, probably MLB’s most dominant arm in 2025. Skenes has transformed PNC Park into his showcase, with to the top velocity, lethal secondary offerings, and growing confidence. With timely offense from Cruz, Pham, and Reynolds, Pittsburgh dominated Arizona.
Skenes is doing more than simply pitching effectively; he is changing expectations for a team in search of its identity. And with this victory, he reminded fans and rivals alike why he is the present and future.