The Pittsburgh Pirates are back after the All-Star break with a series against the AL Central’s Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. It’s the first time the Pirates are in Cleveland since 2024, and they will need to use this weekend as a launching pad to keep them in the NL Wild Card race.
Pirates will hand the ball off to Jared Jones, who is 1-1 with a 4.37 ERA and eight starts so far this season. His last appearance came back on July 8 against the Atlanta Braves at home. It was his longest start of the season, pitching six innings with no hits and no runs, but the offense failed to support him in a 3-0 loss. Hopefully the bats will be turned on for tonight’s game.
The Guardians are countering with Gavin Williams, who has arguably been their best starter so far this season. Williams notched 10 victories during the first half of the season, including one in his last start on July 9 against the Minnesota Twins. He pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs in a 5-2 victory at Target Field.
The Pirates find themselves two games back in the NL Wild Card standings, so every game from here on out is crucial.
Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones (1-1, 4.37 ERA) vs. Gavin Williams (10-4, 3.81 ERA)
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