Stephen Kolek pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his first major league start and combined with four relievers for the San Diego Padres' eighth shutout of the season, a 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates for their fifth straight win.

But Sunday’s pitching performance by starter Stephen Kolek may have removed any obstacle placed by the struggles from the back end of the rotation. One start does not clear a hurdle, but it is worth keeping an eye on Kolek.