Paul Skenes’ march towards the Cy Young Award continued Thursday, as he dispatched the reigning champions with ease.

Skenes scattered two hits over six scoreless innings, leading the Pirates to a 5-3 win against the Dodgers on Thursday night at PNC Park. The Pirates swept the Dodgers and have won 12 of their last 16 games, including five of their last six.

In two starts against the Dodgers this season, Skenes has pitched 12 ⅓ innings without allowing a run. He’s struck out 17, including eight on Thursday.

He generally cruised. He retired the first eight batters he faced, including striking out reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani to start the game, before catcher Dalton Rushing doubled off the very top of the center field wall. Skenes walked Ohtani, but retired shortstop Mookie Betts on a groundo

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