Jones, Cruz power the Pirates to a 2-0 win over the White Sox

On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 2-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox, marking a three-game series sweep. Pitcher Jared Jones showcased his skills, tossing seven innings of immaculate, one-hit baseball. Meanwhile, Oneil Cruz contributed with a solo home run, solidifying the Pirates' triumph. Despite the White Sox's two hits, they endured their eighth loss in 11 games, extending a frustrating stretch for the AL Central contenders.

Chicago's lead over Cleveland narrowed to just 1.5 games. Jones, coming off his 40th career start, allowed walks in the third and fourth innings before halting a no-hit bid in the seventh, thanks to Colson Montgomery's two-out double. Jones ended the night with an impressive eight strikeouts. Luke Weaver contributed a clean eighth, and Mason Montgomery secured the victory as the 12th save for the Pirates.

The Pirates' no-hitter quest ended with Francisco Cordova and Ricardo Rincon's last successful feat on July 12, 1997, against Houston. The last solo no-hitter for Pittsburgh was thrown by John Candelaria on August 9, 1976, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Currently, the Pirates have not assigned a starter for their Friday afternoon matchup against the Cubs.

Chicago's starting pitcher for the series opener will be Shota Imanaga, while Anthony Kay takes the mound for the White Sox against Cardinals' pitcher Matthew Liberatore in the series opener at St. Louis on Friday night.