In what can only be described as a Pitching Masterclass, Paul Skenes delivered another dominant performance on Thursday night, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a resounding 7-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Skenes struck out eight batters over six shutout innings, adding another highlight to his already impressive rookie campaign. While allowing a career-high seven hits, Skenes remained composed and undefeated against the Reds in his fourth career start against them.
This game was not just a win; it was a statement. Skenes has been the embodiment of consistency and dominance on the mound, and Thursday’s outing was yet another showcase of his growing legacy. His ability to control the game with poise and precision is why this performance qualifies as a true Pitching Masterclass.
Skenes’ Historic Start
Paul Skenes improved his season record to 7-8, and while the win-loss tally may not stand out on paper, his real impact lies in the details. With this game, Skenes extended his scoreless streak to 27 2/3 innings. The last run he surrendered came on June 8 against Philadelphia. Since then, he’s been untouchable.
His ERA now sits at a league-best 1.94, an extraordinary figure in today’s offensive-driven baseball environment. Skenes’ Pitching Masterclass performance on Thursday helped him break Shohei Ohtani’s record for most consecutive starts (excluding openers) allowing six or fewer hits to start an MLB career. Skenes had gone 46 straight starts without giving up more than six hits—until Thursday, when the Reds managed seven. Still, they couldn’t convert those hits into runs.
The quality of his pitching—mixing velocity with finesse and a strategic understanding of each batter—is what defines this as a Pitching Masterclass.
Reynolds, Davis Power the Offense
While Skenes was the star of the night on the mound, the Pirates’ offense also came alive, with Bryan Reynolds and Henry Davis going deep. Reynolds opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, and Davis delivered a two-run blast in the seventh to seal the victory.
Reynolds was crucial early in setting the tone. After his two-out homer in the bottom of the first, Reds starter Brady Singer struggled, walking three consecutive batters. That sequence set the stage for Jared Triolo, who capitalized with a bases-loaded single, driving in two runs. This was the game’s key moment, shifting momentum firmly in Pittsburgh’s favor and giving Skenes the breathing room to execute his Pitching Masterclass.
Triolo’s clutch hit ensured the Pirates never looked back.
Consistency in Early Offense
The Pirates’ trend of early scoring continued on Thursday. In their last seven games, the Pirates have tallied 18 runs in the first innings alone. Quick starts like these are vital in supporting pitchers like Skenes, who already dominate on the mound but become even more dangerous with a lead.
Spencer Horwitz extended the Pirates’ lead with an RBI single in the fourth inning. That hit knocked Singer out of the game, ending his night after just 3 2/3 innings. The Pirates tagged him for six hits and four earned runs, proving their offense was as efficient as their pitching.
Oneil Cruz contributed with an RBI single in the sixth, while Davis’ homer in the seventh iced the game and capped off a complete team performance.
Hayes Returns in Opponent Colors
In a twist of narrative, Ke’Bryan Hayes returned to PNC Park after being traded to Cincinnati at the deadline. Once a fan favorite, Hayes went 1 for 3 in his return. While his presence brought a nostalgic undertone to the game, it was overshadowed by Skenes’ latest Pitching Masterclass and the Pirates’ dominant showing.
Key Stat of the Night
Perhaps the most staggering statistic from the game was that Skenes hasn’t allowed an earned run in Pittsburgh since June 3, when he faced the Houston Astros. Additionally, he hasn’t allowed a run against the Reds since June 17, 2024, in Cincinnati. That level of sustained excellence is rare and a defining feature of a Pitching Masterclass.
When a pitcher delivers multiple scoreless starts against the same team, it suggests complete mastery—not just of the craft, but of the opposition’s tendencies, weaknesses, and mindset.
Skenes vs. History
To grasp the magnitude of what Skenes is doing, consider this: His 46-game streak of allowing six or fewer hits at the start of a career was not only the longest in MLB history but shattered the previous mark set by none other than Shohei Ohtani. To be in the same conversation as Ohtani so early in a career is already impressive. To break his record reaffirms Skenes’ status as the face of the next generation of pitchers.
Each game he pitches seems to reinforce that belief, with Thursday’s outing standing out as another Pitching Masterclass.
A Complete Team Effort
Beyond the stellar pitching, the Pirates played excellent defense and ran the bases aggressively. The lineup offered balance—six different players recorded hits, and several delivered in high-leverage moments. Even when the team wasn’t flashing power, they manufactured runs with singles and smart baserunning.
The synergy between pitching, hitting, and fielding gave the Pirates the kind of complete performance that managers dream of. And when your ace is delivering a Pitching Masterclass, everything else seems to fall into place.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates and Reds will continue their four-game series with Game 2 on Friday. Cincinnati is set to send Chase Burns (0-3, 6.04 ERA) to the mound, while the Pirates will counter with Mitch Keller (5-10, 3.89 ERA). If Skenes’ Pitching Masterclass is any indicator, the Reds will need to dramatically elevate their performance if they hope to claw back into the series.
The Future of the Pirates Rotation
With Paul Skenes leading the charge, the Pirates are building a formidable rotation that could make noise not just this season, but for years to come. If he continues to deliver Pitching Masterclass outings like this one, Pittsburgh may soon find themselves back in postseason contention.
His combination of dominance, consistency, and historical benchmarks makes every start must-watch. Fans know they are witnessing something rare—something that doesn’t come around often.
Each pitch Skenes throws isn’t just about winning games. It’s about setting standards, rewriting records, and redefining what a Pitching Masterclass looks like in the modern era.
Final Thoughts
Thursday night at PNC Park was more than just another win for the Pirates. It was another entry in Paul Skenes’ growing legacy—a performance that defined what a Pitching Masterclass truly is. From his control on the mound to his mental strength under pressure, Skenes delivered an unforgettable outing.
With strong support from the offense, clean defense, and a surging confidence, the Pirates are shaping up to be a dangerous team in the second half of the season. And leading the charge, every fifth day, is a pitcher who doesn’t just play the game—he elevates it.