The Pirates' rookie sensation Paul Skenes delivered another masterclass on Thursday night, silencing the Reds' bats over six dominant innings as Pittsburgh cruised to a 7-0 shutout at PNC Park. The 23-year-old phenom carved through Cincinnati's lineup with eight strikeouts—including whiffing Elly De La Cruz twice—while allowing just seven hits and no walks. His 97-pitch gem lowered his ERA to a sparkling 1.94, reinforcing why he's become the ace of Pittsburgh's rotation. The Pirates' offense backed him early, with Henry Davis launching a two-run homer in the third and Jared Triolo driving in two more with a pair of clutch hits, including an RBI single in the fourth that extended the lead to 4-0.

Cincinnati's struggles were epitomized by starter Brady Singer, who lasted just 3.2 innings after surrendering four runs on six hits and four walks. The Reds managed eight hits but stranded 10 runners, including leaving the bases loaded in the fifth. With the loss, Cincinnati falls further back in the playoff hunt, while the Pirates—sparked by Skenes' dominance and timely hitting from their young core—continue their late-season surge with their third straight win.