The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their homestand on Sunday, September 6, 2026, hosting the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park for a 1:35 PM ET afternoon game. Paul Skenes gets the ball for Pittsburgh against Angels right-hander Walbert Ureña. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight, and having Skenes on the mound gives the Pirates their best chance to close out this series on a high note. Catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Probable Pitchers: Paul Skenes vs. Walbert Ureña

Paul Skenes is Pittsburgh's headliner, and his starts at PNC Park are appointment viewing. The young right-hander has established himself as the centerpiece of this rotation, and a Sunday afternoon start against the Angels is exactly the kind of opportunity he should relish. The crowd will be into it, the weather should cooperate, and Skenes will look to control the game from the first pitch.

Ureña gets the nod for Los Angeles. The Angels arm will need to navigate a Pirates lineup that manager Derek Shelton has constructed with some interesting pieces — including a first-time look at this particular configuration from top to bottom. Ureña faces a stiff test on the road against one of the better young starters in the game.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Konnor Griffin, SS
• 2. Brandon Lowe, 2B
• 3. Bryan Reynolds, LF
• 4. Nick Gonzales, DH
• 5. Oneil Cruz, CF
• 6. Esmerlyn Valdez, RF
• 7. Spencer Horwitz, 1B
• 8. Jacob Gonzalez, 3B
• 9. Henry Davis, C

Keys to Watch for the Pirates

Reynolds and Cruz Need to Drive the Middle of the Order

Bryan Reynolds hitting third and Oneil Cruz slotting fifth gives Pittsburgh legitimate run-producing potential in the middle of this lineup. Cruz's raw power from the left side is a nightmare matchup for any pitcher, and if Reynolds gets on base ahead of him, the Angels bullpen is going to have a long afternoon. Pittsburgh's offense doing damage early will take pressure off Skenes and allow him to pitch with a lead.

Konnor Griffin Setting the Table

Griffin leading off is a statement. The shortstop gets the first crack at Ureña, and if he can get on base and create havoc, this lineup can turn over quickly and generate crooked numbers in the early innings. His ability to work at-bats and put pressure on the defense sets the tone for the entire game.

Henry Davis Framing the Game Behind the Plate

With Skenes on the mound, Davis's game-calling and ability to steal strikes at the edges matters. The battery connection between these two will be something to monitor, especially if Skenes is locating his fastball at the top of the zone.

Prediction

This one sets up cleanly for Pittsburgh. Skenes on the bump at PNC Park on a Sunday afternoon is a formula the Pirates should be able to ride. The lineup has enough firepower to scratch out runs against Ureña, and as long as Skenes is dealing — which he has the stuff to do on any given day — the Pirates take this one. Pittsburgh wins, 4-1.