The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Saturday, September 5 for a 6:40 PM ET matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Braxton Ashcraft gets the ball for Pittsburgh opposite Los Angeles left-hander Yusei Kikuchi in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching duel to close out the week. With the regular season winding down, every game at the Clemente Bridge carries weight, and the Bucs will need a strong outing from their young starter to take this one at home.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Angels Game Preview: September 5, 2026

Pitching Matchup: Braxton Ashcraft vs. Yusei Kikuchi

Braxton Ashcraft is the story on the Pittsburgh side. The right-hander is one of the more intriguing young arms the Pirates have developed, and a late-September start at PNC Park is exactly the kind of stage that can define a pitcher's trajectory. Ashcraft will need to command his fastball and keep the Angels' lineup off balance if Pittsburgh wants to get into the win column Saturday night.

On the other side, Yusei Kikuchi brings legitimate experience and a varied arsenal to Pittsburgh. Kikuchi has long been a pitcher who can miss bats when his secondary stuff is working, and the Pirates' lineup will need to be selective and patient to get to him early. That kind of plate discipline at the top of the order will be critical.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Konnor Griffin (SS)
• 2. Esmerlyn Valdez (RF)
• 3. Bryan Reynolds (LF)
• 4. Oneil Cruz (DH)
• 5. Nick Gonzales (2B)
• 6. Rafael Flores Jr. (C)
• 7. Jared Triolo (3B)
• 8. Jake Mangum (CF)
• 9. Nick Yorke (1B)

Keys to Watch

• Oneil Cruz batting cleanup: Cruz sliding into the four hole as the designated hitter puts his raw power front and center. If he gets a pitch to drive, the Pirates need him to do damage.
• Bryan Reynolds in the three spot: Reynolds remains Pittsburgh's most consistent offensive presence. How he handles Kikuchi's left-handed stuff will set the tone for the middle of the order.
• Konnor Griffin leading off: Griffin at the top of the lineup gives Pittsburgh a dynamic presence to set the table. His ability to get on base early against Kikuchi matters enormously.
• Ashcraft's pitch efficiency: The Angels will look to work counts and get Ashcraft out of the game early. If he can keep his pitch count down through five or six innings, it gives Pittsburgh's bullpen a chance to hold a lead.
• Nick Gonzales and the middle of the order: Gonzales at second base batting fifth gives the Pirates a professional at-bat behind Cruz. His contact ability could be key in two-strike situations against a pitcher like Kikuchi.

Prediction

This one comes down to how long Ashcraft can hold the Angels' lineup in check. If he pitches into the sixth with the lead, PNC Park should provide the energy to carry Pittsburgh home. Reynolds and Cruz are capable of doing enough damage against Kikuchi to put runs on the board. Take the Pirates in a close one, 4-2, on a Saturday night along the Allegheny.

Catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh on TV or listen live on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. First pitch is set for 6:40 PM ET.