Paul Skenes takes the ball for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, August 5, as the Bucs make a midweek road trip to American Family Field to face the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET, with the game airing nationally on ESPN and the ESPN App. Pirates fans can also catch the radio call on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. This is a National League Central divisional matchup, which means every game in this series carries standings weight — Pittsburgh cannot afford to give ground to a divisional opponent.

Pitching Matchup: Skenes vs. Harrison

Skenes is the headliner here, and rightfully so. The young right-hander has been the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's rotation since his arrival and gives the Pirates their best chance to win any time he takes the mound. He goes up against Kyle Harrison for Milwaukee. Harrison is a left-handed starter who gives the Brewers a legitimate arm to counter with. Without current ERA or record data available for either pitcher, the matchup is best evaluated by what we know: Skenes is Pittsburgh's top starter, and Harrison represents a real test for a Pirates lineup that will need to adjust to a lefty.

Milwaukee Lineup to Watch

The Brewers are sending out a lineup with legitimate top-to-bottom threats. Manager Pat Murphy's order presents Pittsburgh with multiple challenges:

• Brice Turang (2B, leadoff) — A contact-oriented table-setter who can work counts and put pressure on the basepaths.
• Jackson Chourio (LF, No. 2) — One of the most exciting young hitters in the National League. Skenes will need to be sharp early in counts against Chourio.
• Garrett Mitchell (CF, No. 3) — Speed in center adds another dimension. If Mitchell gets on base, Milwaukee's offense gets dangerous fast.
• William Contreras (C, No. 4) — The cleanup hitter and one of the best offensive catchers in the NL. A proven run producer who cannot be pitched carelessly.
• Christian Yelich (DH, No. 5) — A former MVP whose experience and bat speed make him dangerous even deeper in the order. Skenes cannot let his guard down when the lineup turns over.

Keys to the Game for Pittsburgh

Skenes Must Control the Middle of the Order

The Contreras-Yelich combination at four and five is where this game could get away from the Pirates in a hurry. Skenes has the stuff to neutralize both hitters, but location will be everything. A mistake to either of those bats can change an inning fast.

Pirates Offense Needs to Solve Harrison Early

Left-handed starters present a different look, and Pittsburgh's lineup will need to be patient and disciplined to get into Milwaukee's bullpen. Getting Harrison out of the game before the seventh inning would be a significant win for the Pirates' offense.

Limit Free Passes

With speed at the top of Milwaukee's order in Turang, Chourio, and Mitchell, unearned baserunners become exponentially more damaging. Skenes keeping the walk total low is non-negotiable in this ballpark.

Prediction

When Skenes pitches, you back the Pirates. Milwaukee's lineup is legitimate and Harrison is a capable arm, but Pittsburgh's ace gives the Bucs a real edge. Expect a low-scoring, pitcher-friendly game with Skenes going deep into the contest. Pirates win, 3-1.