While the Pittsburgh Pirates are headed toward a second consecutive last-place finish in the National League Central, their young pitching staff offers hope for the future.

Before closing out the season with six road games, the Pirates (66-89) will face the visiting Athletics (73-82) in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday.

Pittsburgh recorded its MLB-best 18th shutout of the season on Saturday as rookie Bubba Chandler and two relievers combined on a one-hitter in a 2-0 victory. Nick Yorke and Bryan Reynolds homered to help the Pirates snap a five-game losing streak.

Jacob Wilson doubled in the second inning for the Athletics' lone hit.

Chandler (3-1) allowed one hit with six strikeouts over five innings in his third career start. The right-hander expressed his gratitude f

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