The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Friday, September 4, 2026, for a 6:45 PM ET matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Jared Jones gets the ball for Pittsburgh opposite Los Angeles right-hander Ryan Johnson. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight, and the Pirates are looking to take care of business at home against an Angels club that still features one of baseball's most recognizable names. Catch the action on Apple TV or listen locally on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Ryan Johnson

Jared Jones is Pittsburgh's starter, and anytime he takes the mound at PNC Park, the Pirates have a legitimate chance to win the ballgame. Jones has shown the kind of live arm and competitive makeup that makes him a focal point of Pittsburgh's rotation. The Angels counter with Ryan Johnson, a pitcher who will need a strong outing to keep this lineup at bay. Without detailed season stats available for either starter heading into Friday, the narrative here is straightforward: Jones gives the Pirates a fighting chance, and Johnson will need to be sharp to silence a lineup that has some real pop in the middle of the order.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• Spencer Horwitz, 1B
• Brandon Lowe, 2B
• Bryan Reynolds, RF
• Nick Gonzales, DH
• Oneil Cruz, CF
• Konnor Griffin, SS
• Jake Mangum, LF
• Jacob Gonzalez, 3B
• Henry Davis, C

Los Angeles Angels Starting Lineup

• Zach Neto, SS
• Mike Trout, CF
• Wade Meckler, RF
• Vaughn Grissom, 1B
• Moisés Ballesteros, C
• Christian Moore, 2B
• Jose Siri, LF
• Adam Frazier, DH
• Oswald Peraza, 3B

Keys to Watch in Friday's Game

Keep Mike Trout in Check

Any time Mike Trout steps into a batter's box, opposing pitching staffs have to account for him. Batting second for Los Angeles, Trout gives the Angels a dangerous middle-of-the-order threat right out of the gate. Jones will need to be precise early and avoid letting Trout beat him with pitches he can handle. Getting ahead in the count against the Angels' top threats is the name of the game.

Reynolds and Cruz Need to Drive Runs

The heart of the Pirates' order runs through Bryan Reynolds at three and Oneil Cruz at five. Reynolds is the kind of professional hitter who can work counts and do damage against right-handed pitching. Cruz brings elite raw power and speed to center field — if he gets going, the Angels' outfield will be earning their money. Pittsburgh needs production from these two to give Jones a cushion to work with.

Henry Davis Behind the Dish

Henry Davis hitting ninth gives Pittsburgh a catcher with offensive upside at the bottom of the order, which can function as a secondary table-setter for the top of the lineup. His ability to manage Jones through a full start will be just as important as any at-bats he produces.

Prediction

Home field matters in September, and PNC Park should be rocking on a Friday night. Jared Jones is the kind of arm that can take over a game, and the Pirates' lineup has enough balance — from Horwitz and Lowe at the top to Reynolds and Cruz in the middle — to put runs on the board against an Angels pitching staff. Pittsburgh takes this one, 4-2.