The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at PNC Park for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch that baseball fans in both cities should circle on the calendar. Paul Skenes takes the mound for Pittsburgh against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga in what shapes up as one of the better pitching matchups you'll see all season. The Pirates need a strong showing in this series to keep pace in the NL Central, and there's no better way to make a statement than winning a game like this one. Coverage is on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 104.3 The Score.

Pitching Matchup: Skenes vs. Imanaga

This is the headline. Paul Skenes on the mound at PNC Park is an event in itself, and matching him up against Shota Imanaga raises the stakes considerably. Imanaga has established himself as one of the more reliable starters in the National League since arriving in Chicago, featuring a deceptive delivery and elite command of his splitter. Skenes, for his part, has the pure stuff to match anyone in baseball on any given night. Both starters figure to keep the pitch counts reasonable deep into this one, which means the team that can piece together a rally against elite pitching will hold the advantage.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• Jake Mangum — CF
• Nick Gonzales — 2B
• Bryan Reynolds — LF
• Esmerlyn Valdez — RF
• Ryan O'Hearn — 1B
• Marcell Ozuna — DH
• Jared Triolo — 3B
• Jacob Gonzalez — SS
• Henry Davis — C

Chicago Cubs Starting Lineup

• Pete Crow-Armstrong — CF
• Seiya Suzuki — RF
• Michael Busch — 1B
• Alex Bregman — 3B
• Ian Happ — LF
• Nico Hoerner — 2B
• Pedro Ramírez — DH
• Dansby Swanson — SS
• Miguel Amaya — C

Keys to Watch for Pittsburgh

Bryan Reynolds as the Lineup Anchor

Hitting third, Reynolds is the pivot point of this Pittsburgh offense. Imanaga is the type of pitcher who can make a lineup look uncomfortable if hitters get passive early in counts. Reynolds has the plate discipline and power to punish mistakes, and how he handles Imanaga's splitter will set the tone for the middle of the order.

Henry Davis Behind the Plate

Davis draws the start at catcher and plays a critical role in game-calling against a Cubs lineup that carries real lineup-to-lineup variety. Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner are disciplined hitters who will work Skenes for pitches. Davis's ability to frame and keep Skenes in rhythm matters as much tonight as any defensive contribution on the field.

Esmerlyn Valdez in the Cleanup Spot

Batting fourth behind Reynolds, Valdez gets a high-leverage opportunity against a left-handed starter. That is a spot the Pirates need production from, and it signals the organization's confidence in the young outfielder to deliver in a meaningful game situation.

Prediction

Give the edge to Pittsburgh at home. Skenes pitching at PNC Park in a low-scoring game is a formula that works in the Pirates' favor. The Cubs lineup is dangerous, and Imanaga will keep this close, but the combination of Skenes on the hill and the home crowd at PNC Park tips the balance. Pirates win, 2-1.