Pirates Blank D-backs 1-0 on Skenes' 8 Scoreless Innings

PHOENIX Paul Skenes delivered eight scoreless innings in one of the finest performances of his career, and Brandon Lowe hit a towering solo homer as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old right-hander, the defending National League Cy Young Award winner, improved to 5-2 by scattering two hits, striking out seven and issuing no walks while throwing 97 pitches. Skenes retired the first 14 batters before Lourdes Gurriel Jr. reached on an infield single down the third-base line in the fifth inning. He fielded the ball but airmailed a throw to first base. Nolan Arenado followed with a line-drive single to left field, but Skenes retired the next 10 Diamondbacks in order, fanning the side in the eighth on 12 pitches.

Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly pulled Skenes after the frame, marking the fourth time in his career the rookie has pitched at least eight innings. It was his longest scoreless outing to date and extended a streak of four straight starts without a walk. Skenes has allowed just seven free passes in 42 innings this season. Gregory Soto earned his second save by working around a one-out walk in the ninth, retiring Ketel...