The Johan Oviedo redemption arc continues! The latest in Oviedo’s strong turnaround comes as he pitched the best game of his Major League Baseball career on Monday night in Kansas City, putting up a full game shutout performance on the mound for Pittsburgh.

Oviedo allowed just 2 total hits to the Royals, and no Kansas City batter reached past first base all night as the Pirates pulled away with a 5-0 win at Kauffman Stadium.

Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown likened the feel of Oviedo’s potential shutout game to that of a no-hitter. The defense certainly seemed to be staying engaged and putting in the extra effort as Oviedo stood on the bring of a milestone.

Liover Peguero’s spectacular dive and throw to get the ball to Alfonso Rivas at first base was just one of several defensive plays that helped Oviedo keep the Royals off the scoreboard.

Oviedo recorded 5 strikeouts on the night, throwing 73 strikes in all.

As his pitch count continued to climb, the Pirates kept their bullpen ready and active in the event that they needed to turn to someone else. But after Oviedo made 8 innings without a run against, Derek Shelton opted to keep Oviedo in for the 9th with the Pirates leading 5-0.

Colin Holderman was loosening up in the bullpen, if necessary, as Oviedo grinded his way through a tough 9th inning. Oviedo had to work his way through a count before finally getting the first out. A pop up to Jack Suwinski and a groundout lobbed to Ke’Bryan Hayes sealed the game for Pittsburgh, and a historic night for Oviedo.

Oviedo becomes the first Pirate since Charlie Morton in 2009 to pitch a full game shutout this late into the season. In all, Oviedo pitched 112 pitches, 73 of which were strikes.

The Bucs dugout and bullpen was all smiles for Oviedo as the team met to congratulate the 25 year old.

The game is now the fifth of Oviedo’s last seven starts where the righty has allowed just 1 earned run or fewer. It was his third start of the season where he has pitched a shutout, but they pale in comparison to Oviedo’s legendary effort last night.

Hayes led the way on offense, knocking in 4 hits and reaching base 5 times. Ji Hwan Bae and Alfonso Rivas (who had a few gaffes in the game), also had multi-hit games for the Bucs.

Pittsburgh has two more games in Kansas City, before heading off to St. Louis to close out their road trip.

(Featured photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)