The Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, handing their in-state rivals their fifth loss in their past six games. The Pirates’ loss came despite having ace pitcher Paul Skenes on the mound, and going up against Phillies rookie Mick Abel, who was making the first MLB start of his career.

Mick Abel outdueled Paul Skenes to win his major league debut, striking out nine over six innings to lead Philadelphia over the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for a three-game sweep and the Phillies' 15th win in 20 games.

The Philadelphia Phillies have an absolute gem coming through the farm system in Mick Abel. His first taste of big-league action made a strong impression.

The Phillies scored seven runs over the last two innings, including Schwarber's homer to lead off the ninth. Alec Bohm got the rally started with a two-run homer in the eighth.

The Pirates keep most of the same lineup from their 5-2 loss to the Phillies on May 17, but will bring in Alexander Canario in left field in place of Nick Solak. Canario, who will

PHILADELPHIA — Mick Abel stayed under control in his major league debut. Abel outdueled Paul Skenes, striking out nine over six innings to lead Philadelphia over the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 Sunday for a three-game sweep and the Phillies’ 15th win in 20 games.

Preview the May 18 matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Then came Sunday: the Phillies' first chance to see Abel on a major-league mound, and their first chance to face Skenes since his own call-up last summer and ensuing meteoric rise. The Phillies prevailed in a memorable pitcher's duel, 1-0.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates won't have one of their stars in the lineup against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Oneil Cruz isn't leading off or startin