Paul Skenes Shines as Pirates Sweep Dodgers with 5-3 Win in Pittsburgh on September 4, 2025

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates Complete Sweep of Los Angeles Dodgers with 5-3 Victory

Paul Skenes delivered an outstanding performance, pitching six scoreless innings to earn his 10th win of the season as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3. This win at PNC Park on Thursday night completed a three-game series sweep for the Pirates.

Paul Skenes Dominates on the Mound

Skenes (10-9) was in command, allowing just two hits, striking out eight, and walking only one batter. This outing raised his record above .500 for the first time this season and dropped his ERA to a major league-leading 1.98. The previous NL Rookie of the Year, Skenes has now captured six wins in his last seven decisions, helping the Pirates rally in the latter part of the season.

Dodgers Offense Silenced

The Los Angeles Dodgers managed only five hits and saw their division lead shrink to two games over the idle San Diego Padres. The Pirates' pitching staff effectively stifled the Dodgers' potent offense throughout most of the game.

Late Dodgers Rally Falls Short

In the ninth inning, Mookie Betts put the Dodgers on the scoreboard with a leadoff home run. Later in the inning, RBI singles from Pedro Pages and Miguel Rojas narrowed the Pirates’ lead to 5-3. However, Colin Holderman struck out Ben Rortvedt to secure his first save of the season and seal the Pirates' victory.

Blake Snell Struggles in Dodgers Start

The Dodgers’ starting pitcher, Blake Snell (3-4), allowed five runs and nine hits over five innings. The Pirates' offense broke through with Tommy Pham's RBI single in the third inning and a two-run double by Nick Yorke in a decisive four-run fifth that gave Pittsburgh a commanding 5-0 lead.

Pirates Continue Hot Streak

Pittsburgh’s win marked their 12th victory in their last 16 games. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have now dropped five of their last six matchups, putting pressure on their bid to hold the top spot in the NL West.

Key Moment

The Dodgers threatened early with runners on first and second in the second inning, but Skenes induced Mookie Betts to hit into an inning-ending force play, ending the scoring threat and maintaining the shutout through the middle innings.

Key Stat

Pirates reliever Colin Holderman, who began the game with a 7.89 ERA, delivered two-thirds of a scoreless inning to lock down his first save of the season.

Up Next

The Dodgers move on to face the Baltimore Orioles, sending right-hander Tyler Glasnow (1-3, 3.41 ERA) to the mound against Baltimore’s Dean Kremer (9-10, 4.52 ERA). The Pirates will start a home series hosting the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, with Johan Oviedo (2-0, 3.60 ERA) scheduled to face Quinn Priester (11-2, 3.28 ERA).

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates, behind ace Paul Skenes' stellar pitching, swept the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 5-3 win, highlighting strong performances on the mound and at the plate. The Dodgers’ offense was largely contained, and despite a late push in the ninth, Pittsburgh held on for the victory. This win boosts the Pirates’ momentum while applying pressure on the Dodgers in the NL West standings.

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