Paul Skenes dominant again, striking out 9 in 6 innings as Pirates blank D-backs 6-0

By: The Associated Press Posted: 3:46 PM CDT Sunday, Jul. 27, 2025

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Skenes struck out nine and gave up three hits in six innings, Oneil Cruz and Ke’Bryan Hayes drove in two runs each, and the Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second straight game, 6-0 on Sunday.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Skenes (6-8) is the first pitcher to have an ERA below 2 through his first 45 starts. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year sits at 1.89 for his career and 1.83 this year, which leads the majors.

Skenes is the only starter this season who hasn’t allowed a first-inning run. He struck out two in the first, including Geraldo Perdomo, who hadn’t fanned in a league-best 39 straight at-bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Jake McCarthy had a one-out triple in the second, but Skenes struck out James McCann and retired Alek Thomas on a popup to short. Skenes also worked around a leadoff double by Tristin English in the third.

Cruz walked leading off the Pirates second and the majors stolen base leader with 34 was off and running when Tommy Pham singled to center field on a 1-2 pitch from Zac Gallen for a 1-0 lead.

Gallen (7-12) allowed four runs on five hits in six innings. Arizona scored one run in the three-game series, winning 1-0 in 11 innings Friday night.

Key moment

Skenes hit Eugenio Suárez with a 3-2 pitch leading off the fourth and McCarthy doubled him to third with one out. Skenes then struck out McCann on three pitches and Thomas on six.

Key stat