Paul Skenes dominates as Pirates win 7-1 behind 8 Ks in 7 innings

Paul Skenes pitched seven strong innings, striking out eight and allowing just one run as the Pittsburgh Pirates crushed the Cleveland Guardians 7-1 on Sunday.

What happened in Pittsburgh’s win?

Skenes (9-8) turned in his longest outing since May 12, scattering seven hits while keeping the Guardians’ lineup in check. The right-hander had allowed eight runs in four innings in a 10-6 loss at Philadelphia on July 1, but bounced back with a sharp seven-inning effort. Pittsburgh’s offense provided early support, with Billy Cook driving in two runs on a second-inning single off Cleveland starter Joey Cantillo (8-5).

How did the Pirates build the lead?

Cook’s RBI single put Pittsburgh ahead 1-0 in the second, and the Pirates added three more in the fifth when Esmerlyn Valdez’s two-run homer in the ninth sealed the win. Nick Gonzales led off the fifth with a triple off the right-field wall before scoring on a throwing error by Austin Hedges during a pickoff attempt at third. Cook extended the lead to 4-1 in the sixth with another RBI single, this time scoring Jacob Gonzalez.

Why it matters for Paul Skenes

Skenes has been one of Pittsburgh’s most reliable arms this season. Since July 1, he’s 3-0 with a 2.46 ERA, showing poise after a rough outing in Philadelphia. The right-hander’s ability to go deep into games has been a key factor in Pittsburgh’s recent surge. The Pirates have won five straight interleague series and are 11-4 over that span.

What comes next for Skenes and the Pirates?

Pittsburgh heads to New York for a three-game set against the Yankees starting Monday. All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (9-3, 3.49 ERA) gets the start. Cleveland, meanwhile, opens a four-game series against Minnesota, with Tanner Bibee (3-9, 3.90 ERA) taking the mound for the Guardians.