Kuhl (2-0) pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out four Padres in Tuesday's win.

Kuhl was recalled before the game to make his fifth start of the year. He capitalized on the opportunity by earning a victory for the first time since his MLB debut back on June 26. The Pirates have won all five games that the right-hander has started, including victories over division leaders the Cubs and Nationals. Although Kuhl walked four over his career-high 93-pitch outing against the Padres, he was making a conscious effort to work the ball down in the zone; and, for the first time, the rookie induced more ground outs (10) than fly outs (4). He's scheduled to toe the rubber Sunday at the Dodgers for his next start.