Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones became the first pitcher in the modern era to complete at least six perfect innings without recording a win. The 24-year-old was removed from his start Wednesday night in the seventh inning after retiring the first 18 batters he faced. The Pirates ultimately lost the game to the Atlanta Braves 3-0.
Jones, who is in his eighth start since returning May 20 from ulnar collateral ligament internal brace surgery performed on May 21, 2025, had thrown 77 pitches before being removed. The Pirates organization opted to limit his workload, as he had not exceeded 81 pitches in any start since his return after missing the entire previous season.
"It does suck. Something’s cool coming on, but I’m on what? My eighth start off of surgery? I completely understand it, and it is what it is," Jones told reporters after the game. He added that he did not consider attempting to complete the perfect game due to his pitch count and expectation of not going nine innings at this stage of his recovery.
The Braves scored three runs late in the game to secure their victory. Joey Bart hit a two-run home run off pitcher Dennis Santana, and Drake Baldwin added an RBI single in the ninth inning.
This marks the second time in less than a week that a pitcher has been removed from a game with a perfect bid through six innings. Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Perez was also taken out after seven perfect innings and 92 pitches on May 17. The Marlins' game also resulted in a loss of lead, though they ultimately won 9-8.
The Pirates are currently 4.0 games behind the Marlins for the final wild card spot in their league.