McCutchen's Go-Ahead Single Caps Pirates' 2-1 Sweep of Phillies June 8, 2025

Sunday, June 8th, 2025

Paul Skenes again pitched into the eighth inning for Pittsburgh before Andrew McCutchen delivered a go-ahead single in that same inning, helping the Pirates complete a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies with a 2-1 win on Sunday.

Skenes, the 23-year-old ace, lowered his ERA to 1.88. He allowed just one unearned run on two hits with seven strikeouts and one walk over 7 2/3 innings. He was pulled for Braxton Ashcraft (1-0), who recorded the final four outs to earn his first major league win.

The game-winning rally in the eighth began when Cristopher Sánchez (5-2) walked Oneil Cruz. McCutchen followed with a broken-bat single to right field off Owen Kerkering. Cruz, after stumbling around third base, successfully beat Nick Castellanos’ throw home.

The loss marked the Phillies' fifth straight defeat and ninth in their last 10 games.

Despite his impressive pitching, Skenes' personal record fell to 1-4 over his last eight starts. He has allowed just five runs in 42 1/3 innings over his last six outings, including giving up only one run in eight innings against Houston in his previous start.

Sanchez (5-2) took the loss for the Phillies, surrendering two runs on five hits with nine strikeouts over seven innings. The first Pirates run came on an RBI double from Jared Triolo in the second inning.

Key Moment

Braxton Ashcraft entered the game in the eighth inning with two outs and the bases empty, replacing Skenes. He walked Marsh before getting Marchán to ground out, ending the threat. Ashcraft sealed the win in the ninth by inducing a game-ending double play from Alec Bohm.

Key Stat

Paul Skenes has demonstrated remarkable consistency, allowing no more than six hits in any of his 37 appearances in the majors.

Up Next

Phillies: Right-hander Zack Wheeler (6-2, 2.96 ERA) is scheduled to start Monday as the Phillies open a three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Matthew Boyd (5-3, 3.01).

Pirates: Right-hander Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.27) will take the mound for the Pirates on Monday to begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins.

In summary, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep. Rookie pitcher Paul Skenes delivered another strong performance, pitching into the eighth inning and allowing only one unearned run. The decisive moment came in the eighth inning when Andrew McCutchen's single drove in Oneil Cruz for the go-ahead run off Phillies reliever Owen Kerkering. Braxton Ashcraft earned his first major league win in relief. Cristopher Sánchez took the loss for Philadelphia, who extended their losing streak. Jared Triolo had an RBI double for the Pirates earlier in the game. The Phillies are scheduled to face the Cubs next, while the Pirates will play the Marlins.

Related Links

• Philadelphia Phillies News & Updates
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