Paul Skenes throws 6 shutout innings as Pirates blank Reds

(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Paul Skenes threw six shutout innings to help the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-0 win against the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the opener of their four-game series on Thursday evening.

Skenes (8-2) limited the Reds to two hits in the 17th start of his rookie season. The right-hander struck out nine and walked one on 87 pitches.

Bryan De La Cruz had three hits and three RBIs,