The Pittsburgh Pirates host the New York Mets at PNC Park on Sunday, August 9, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET. Jared Jones takes the hill for Pittsburgh against lefty Sean Manaea in what shapes up as a classic pitching matchup on a summer afternoon along the Allegheny. With the regular season deep into its second half, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Pirates need wins at home to keep pace in the NL Central conversation.

Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Sean Manaea

Jared Jones is the story for Pittsburgh today. The young right-hander has been one of the most closely watched arms in the Pirates' rotation, and Sunday gives him a legitimate test against a Mets lineup that knows how to work counts and put the ball in play. Jones's ability to generate swings and misses early in counts will be critical against a New York club that can punish mistakes.

Sean Manaea comes in as the Mets' answer on the other side. The experienced lefty has a track record of keeping lineups off balance with his varied arsenal. Pittsburgh's lineup will need to be patient and look for pitches to drive, particularly in the middle innings when Manaea settles in.

Pittsburgh Starting Lineup

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

Keys to Watch

Bryan Reynolds in the Middle of the Order

Reynolds batting third as the designated hitter puts his bat in a premium spot to drive in runs. His ability to make consistent hard contact against left-handed pitching will be one of the central storylines of this game. If Manaea can neutralize Reynolds, the Mets have a real shot at keeping Pittsburgh's offense in check.

Nick Gonzales Batting Cleanup

Gonzales sliding into the cleanup spot at third base is a notable lineup construction choice. He represents Pittsburgh's power potential in the heart of the order. How he handles Manaea's offspeed offerings will go a long way toward determining whether the Pirates can put a crooked number on the board.

Henry Davis Behind the Plate

Davis catching Jones creates a battery worth watching. Their communication and Davis's pitch framing on the edges of the zone could be the difference in close counts against a disciplined Mets lineup.

Jones's Command in the Early Innings

Jones needs to establish his fastball early and keep the Mets' offense from getting comfortable. If he can pitch deep into the game and limit traffic on the bases through five or six innings, the Pirates' bullpen should be in a manageable spot.

Broadcast Information

Sunday's game can be seen on SportsNet Pittsburgh locally and on SNY for Mets viewers. Radio coverage is available on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan in Pittsburgh and on Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Pittsburgh at home with Jones on the mound. PNC Park plays well for pitchers, and if Jones can give the Pirates six quality innings, the lineup has enough pieces — Reynolds, Gonzales, and Lowe — to scratch out enough runs against Manaea. Look for a low-scoring game decided by one or two runs. Pirates win, 3-2.