The Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to PNC Park on Thursday, September 17, for a 12:35 PM ET first pitch. Pittsburgh will send right-hander Wilber Dotel to the hill against Milwaukee's Kyle Harrison in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup to close out a regular-season series. With September baseball in full swing and rosters expanded, every game carries weight for both clubs as the calendar winds toward the finish line.

Probable Pitchers: Wilber Dotel vs. Kyle Harrison

Wilber Dotel gets the ball for the Pirates in what is a notable opportunity for the young arm. Dotel will be tested against a Brewers lineup that has always prided itself on disciplined at-bats and grinding out pitch counts. How Dotel manages the Milwaukee order early — establishing his stuff and limiting free passes — will go a long way toward determining the outcome.

On the other side, Kyle Harrison takes the mound for Milwaukee. Harrison is a left-handed pitcher who pitches with deception and can be difficult to square up when his command is sharp. The Pittsburgh lineup will need to stay disciplined and work counts against him rather than chasing early in the at-bat.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Konnor Griffin, SS
• 2. Oneil Cruz, CF
• 3. Bryan Reynolds, LF
• 4. Rafael Flores Jr., 1B
• 5. Brandon Lowe, 2B
• 6. Nick Gonzales, DH
• 7. Ronny Simon, RF
• 8. Jared Triolo, 3B
• 9. Henry Davis, C

Keys to Watch at PNC Park

Konnor Griffin Setting the Table

Griffin leads off for Pittsburgh, and his ability to get on base and create early pressure will be critical against Harrison. A patient approach from the leadoff spot can force Harrison's pitch count up quickly and open the game up for the middle of the order.

Oneil Cruz in the Two-Hole

Cruz batting second is an interesting wrinkle. His combination of elite speed and plus power makes him a genuine threat whether he's looking to work a walk, slap one into the gap, or unload on a mistake pitch. Cruz's presence immediately behind Griffin gives the top of the Pittsburgh lineup legitimate teeth.

Bryan Reynolds and the Heart of the Order

Reynolds hitting third means the Pirates are counting on their veteran outfielder to drive in runs when Griffin and Cruz get on. Reynolds has the bat-to-ball skill to handle left-handed pitching, and Harrison will need to be careful with him. Rafael Flores Jr. follows at cleanup, giving Pittsburgh's lineup a credible run-producing threat deep into the order.

Dotel's Command and Composure

For Pittsburgh to win this game, Dotel needs to keep the Brewers off the bases and give the bullpen a legitimate rest. If he can get through five or six innings without major damage, the Pirates have a path to victory.

Prediction

This is a tight, low-scoring game on paper — two pitchers who will be tested in a late-September afternoon spot start scenario. Pittsburgh's lineup has enough construction at the top to manufacture a run or two, and if Dotel is on, the home crowd at PNC Park could be rewarded. Pirates win a close one, 3-2.

Catch the game live on SportsNet Pittsburgh on TV or on 100.1 FM/KDKA-AM 1020 on the radio.