Paul Skenes Dominates as Pittsburgh Pirates Shut Out Cincinnati Reds 7-0 – Game Recap & Highlights (Aug 7, 2025)

Friday, August 8th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates Dominate Cincinnati Reds 7-0 Behind Paul Skenes’ Stellar Start

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a convincing 7-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night, highlighted by Paul Skenes' dominant pitching performance and home runs from Bryan Reynolds and Henry Davis.

Paul Skenes Shines on the Mound

Paul Skenes delivered another masterful outing, striking out eight over six scoreless innings. While he allowed seven hits—the most in his young career—Skenes kept the Reds off the board and maintained his undefeated streak against Cincinnati through four career starts. His remarkable run of allowing six or fewer hits to open an MLB career ended at 46 consecutive games, breaking a record previously held by Shohei Ohtani. Skenes has not allowed a run in his last 27 2/3 innings and lowered his MLB-best ERA to 1.94.

Early Offense Sets the Tone

The Pirates wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Bryan Reynolds launching a two-out solo homer in the first inning. After Reynolds’ blast, Cincinnati’s starter Brady Singer struggled with control, walking three consecutive batters. Jared Triolo capitalized with a bases-loaded single, driving in two runs and giving Pittsburgh an early advantage. The Pirates have now scored 18 first-inning runs over their last seven games, showcasing their latest offensive surge.

Pirates Continue to Build the Lead

Spencer Horwitz drove in another run with an RBI single in the fourth inning. Later in the frame, Reynolds’ two-out single forced Singer out of the game after 3 2/3 innings, having allowed six hits and four runs. Oneil Cruz tacked on an RBI single in the sixth, and Henry Davis broke things open with a two-run shot in the seventh inning.

Ke'Bryan Hayes Returns to Pittsburgh

Former Pirate Ke'Bryan Hayes, who was traded to Cincinnati at the deadline, was 1-for-3 in his return to Pittsburgh.

Key Moment

The defining moment came after Reynolds' first-inning home run when Singer issued three straight walks. With the bases loaded, Jared Triolo's single drove in two crucial runs, putting the Pirates ahead for good.

Key Stat

Skenes has not allowed an earned run in Pittsburgh since June 3, and he has not surrendered an earned run to Cincinnati since June 17, 2024.

Up Next

The four-game series continues with Cincinnati's Chase Burns (0-3, 6.04 ERA) facing Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller (5-10, 3.89 ERA).

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the Cincinnati Reds 7-0, fueled by Paul Skenes’ exceptional start and home runs from Bryan Reynolds and Henry Davis. Skenes set career milestones and maintained his dominance against Cincinnati, while the Pirates’ early offense set the tempo for a resounding victory. The series continues as both teams look to gain momentum in the NL Central race.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.