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. Whi

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.

Mick Abel tied a franchise record with nine strikeouts over six innings in his Major League debut as the host Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.