The Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Mets on Saturday, August 8 at PNC Park with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. Bubba Chandler draws the start for Pittsburgh against New York's Robert Stock in what shapes up as a meaningful mid-August home matchup. The game airs locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh and on radio via Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan, with SNY carrying the broadcast for Mets viewers.

Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler vs. Robert Stock

Bubba Chandler gets the ball for Pittsburgh, and this is one of the more closely watched assignments on the Pirates' pitching staff. The right-hander has been a developmental focal point in the Pittsburgh organization, and mid-August starts like this one are exactly where you measure how far a young arm has come. Every outing matters for a pitcher at Chandler's stage, and a strong showing at PNC Park against a New York lineup carries real weight.

Robert Stock takes the hill for the Mets. Stock is a veteran arm who has bounced between organizational roles, and Pittsburgh's lineup will need to stay disciplined and look for pitches to drive rather than chasing early in counts.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Jake Mangum — CF
• 2. Brandon Lowe — 2B
• 3. Bryan Reynolds — DH
• 4. Spencer Horwitz — 1B
• 5. Nick Gonzales — 3B
• 6. Endy Rodríguez — C
• 7. Esmerlyn Valdez — LF
• 8. Jacob Gonzalez — SS
• 9. Ronny Simon — RF

Keys to Watch at PNC Park

Chandler's Command and Pitch Mix

The biggest storyline on the Pittsburgh side is how Chandler controls the strike zone. A young starter facing a big-market opponent like the Mets tests both stuff and composure. Watch whether he establishes his fastball early and how confidently he uses his secondary pitches when he falls behind in counts. Efficient innings — getting deep into the game without burning the bullpen — would be the ideal outcome.

Reynolds and Horwitz Setting the Table in the Middle of the Order

Bryan Reynolds slides into the DH spot batting third, and Spencer Horwitz follows him at cleanup at first base. Those two form the backbone of this lineup's run-producing capability. If the Pirates are going to put crooked numbers on the board at PNC Park on Saturday, it runs through that 3-4 combination getting on base and driving in runs.

Top of the Order Getting on Base

Jake Mangum leading off in center field and Brandon Lowe following at second base sets an energetic tone at the top. Pittsburgh's ability to manufacture early runs often comes down to whether those first two spots can create traffic before Reynolds and Horwitz get their hacks.

Prediction

Chandler holds the Mets in check through five innings, the middle of the Pittsburgh order does enough damage against Stock to build a lead, and the Pirates take this one at home. Pittsburgh wins, 4-2.