Paul Skenes takes no-hitter into 6th as Pirates stifle Padres

Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had clutch two-run singles to back up a gem by Paul Skenes and propel the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, angular shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense pitching duel and late-inning offensive surge that defined the Pirates' victory over the Padres.San Diego Today

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a hit, and the Pirates offense erupted for five runs in the eighth inning to defeat the San Diego Padres 7-1. Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had two-run singles to support Skenes' strong outing, in which he gave up just one run on two hits over 6.1 innings.

Why it matters

The win extends the Pirates' recent hot streak, as they have now won 6 of their last 7 games. Skenes' near no-hit bid and the team's offensive outburst in the late innings showcase the Pirates' potential this season as they look to challenge the top teams in the National League.

The details

Paul Skenes (2-1) carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a one-out single to Fernando Tatis Jr. Skenes finished with 6.1 innings pitched, allowing one run on two hits while striking out six. Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each had two-run singles to give the Pirates a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning, and the team tacked on three more runs in the frame to win 7-1. Xander Bogaerts hit a solo home run off Skenes in the seventh inning for the Padres' only run.

  • Skenes took a no-hitter into the 6th inning on April 8, 2026.
  • The Pirates scored 5 runs in the 8th inning to pull away on April 8, 2026.

The players

Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher who carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning and finished with 6.1 innings of 1-run ball.

Oneil Cruz

The Pirates outfielder who had a two-run single in the 8th inning to give the team a 4-1 lead.

Nick Gonzales

The Pirates infielder who also had a clutch two-run single in the 8th inning to spark the team's late offensive outburst.

Xander Bogaerts

The Padres shortstop who hit a solo home run off Skenes in the 7th inning for San Diego's only run of the game.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres outfielder who broke up Skenes' no-hit bid with a single in the 6th inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Skenes' dominant outing and the Pirates' late-inning offensive explosion showcase the team's potential this season as they look to challenge the top teams in the National League. The win extends Pittsburgh's recent hot streak and builds momentum as they continue their quest to return to the playoffs.