Interactomes embody one of the most effective representations of cellular behavior by revealing function through protein associations. In order to build these models at the organism scale, highthroughput techniques are required to identify interacting pairs of proteins. Next-generation interaction screening (NGIS) protocols that combine yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) with deep sequencing are promising approaches to generate protein-protein interaction networks in any organism. However, challenges remain to mining reliable information from these screens and thus, limit its broader implementation. Here, we describe a statistical framework, designated Y2HSCORES, for analyzing high-throughput Y2H screens that considers key aspects of experimental design, normalization, and controls. Three quantitative ranking scores were implemented to identify interacting partners, comprising: 1) significant enrichment under selection for positive interactions, 2) degree of interaction specificity among multi-bait comparisons, and 3) selection of in-frame interactors. Using simulation and an empirical dataset, we provide a quantitative assessment to predict interacting partners under a wide range of experimental scenarios, facilitating independent confirmation by one-to-one bait-prey tests. Simulation of Y2H-NGIS identified conditions that maximize detection of true interactors, which can be achieved with protocols such as prey library normalization, maintenance of larger culture volumes and replication of experimental treatments. Y2H-SCORES can be implemented in different yeastbased interaction screenings, accelerating the biological interpretation of experimental results. Proof-of-concept was demonstrated by discovery and validation of a novel interaction between the barley powdery mildew effector, AVRA13, with the vesicle-mediated thylakoid membrane biogenesis protein, HvTHF1.