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.

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 host Philadelphia completed a three-game sweep of Pittsburgh with a 1-0 victory.Abel (1-0), a fi