The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Tuesday, September 15 for a 6:40 PM ET regular season showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers. Pittsburgh sends Lake Bachar to the hill opposite Milwaukee's hard-throwing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski in a matchup that carries real weight as September winds down and standings tighten across the National League. First pitch is set for 6:40 PM and can be seen locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh or heard on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Pitching Matchup: Bachar vs. Misiorowski

Lake Bachar draws the start for the Pirates in what is a genuine opportunity for him to make a statement down the stretch. Bachar has been working out of Pittsburgh's pitching staff and gets the ball in a meaningful regular season contest. The onus is on him to keep the Brewers' lineup in check and give the offense a chance to work early.

On the other side, Jacob Misiorowski brings live, electric stuff to the mound for Milwaukee. The 23-year-old has shown the ability to overpower hitters when his command is locked in, and he figures to be a legitimate test for a Pittsburgh lineup that will need to be patient and disciplined to do any damage.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup for September 15

• 1. Konnor Griffin, SS
• 2. Brandon Lowe, 2B
• 3. Bryan Reynolds, RF
• 4. Oneil Cruz, CF
• 5. Nick Gonzales, 3B
• 6. Ryan O'Hearn, DH
• 7. Rafael Flores Jr., C
• 8. Spencer Horwitz, 1B
• 9. Jake Mangum, LF

Keys to Watch at PNC Park

Can the Top of the Order Get Things Started?

Konnor Griffin leads off for Pittsburgh at shortstop, with Brandon Lowe slotting in right behind him at second base. The ability of that one-two combo to get on base against Misiorowski's high-octane arm will go a long way toward determining whether Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz get meaningful run-scoring opportunities in the middle of the order.

Oneil Cruz as a Run-Producer

Batting cleanup and moving to center field, Cruz is the most dangerous power threat in this lineup on any given night. If the Pirates can get men on base ahead of him, his raw power at PNC Park is a genuine weapon. One swing from Cruz can change an entire game.

Bachar's Command and Early Innings

The key for Bachar is simple: throw strikes, limit free passes, and keep the Brewers from stringing anything together early. Milwaukee's lineup is capable of putting up crooked numbers in a hurry if a starter loses command. Bachar needs to be sharp from pitch one.

Reynolds as the Table-Setter in the Three Hole

Bryan Reynolds batting third is right where you want him. He has the plate discipline to work counts against a power arm like Misiorowski and the pop to punish mistakes. His at-bats in the middle innings could be the difference-makers in a close game.

Prediction

This game has the feel of a tight, low-scoring affair. Misiorowski's stuff is legitimate enough to keep Pittsburgh's offense honest, but Bachar has a chance to match him if he's on. Give the edge to the Pirates at home, where PNC Park's atmosphere can be a factor in a September game with stakes attached. Pirates win, 3-2.