The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Los Angeles for a 4:10 PM ET first pitch on Sunday, August 23, 2026, squaring off against the Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. Lake Bachar gets the start for Pittsburgh against Blake Snell, one of the most decorated arms in the game. The Dodgers are rolling out a fearsome lineup that starts with Shohei Ohtani and doesn't let up until the ninth spot. This is a stiff test for a Pirates club on the road against one of baseball's marquee franchises. Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Pirates vs. Dodgers: Sunday Regular Season Matchup Preview

There's no sugarcoating it — this is a tough draw. The Dodgers are sending out a lineup that reads like a fantasy baseball all-star team, and Snell is a two-time Cy Young Award winner who can dominate any lineup on any given day. For the Pirates to steal a win in Los Angeles, they're going to need a big performance from Bachar and some timely hitting against a pitcher of Snell's caliber.

Probable Pitchers

Lake Bachar (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Bachar gets the ball in what is arguably one of the tougher assignments any Pirates starter can draw. Pitching at Dodger Stadium against this lineup is a challenge, full stop. The key for Bachar will be limiting the big inning. With Ohtani leading off and Freeman, Betts, and Muncy following, there is genuine run-scoring danger lurking in every at-bat from the top of the order straight through. Bachar will need to work efficiently, mix his pitches, and avoid falling behind in counts against hitters of this caliber.

Blake Snell (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Snell is a lefty with premium stuff and the track record to back it up. The Pirates' lineup will have to grind at-bats, work pitch counts, and look for any window to get into the Dodgers' bullpen. Against an arm like Snell, patience at the plate isn't optional — it's the only real path to runs.

Keys to Watch for the Pirates

• Bachar's command early: If Bachar can navigate the top of the Dodgers' order — Ohtani, Freeman, Betts — without significant damage in the first two innings, Pittsburgh stays in the game. Giving up early crooked numbers against this lineup makes a comeback a very tall order.
• Getting on base against Snell: Snell can be hittable when he loses the zone, but the Pirates need to make him work. Walks and singles can turn into something if Pittsburgh's lineup strings together quality at-bats rather than chasing early in counts.
• Handling the middle of the Dodger order: Muncy at cleanup and Tucker and Hernández behind him represent genuine power threats. Bachar cannot let rallies snowball once Ohtani and Freeman get things started.
• Bullpen depth: If Bachar goes four or five innings, Pittsburgh's bullpen will need to hold the line in a ballpark that can get loud and lopsided in a hurry. Keeping the game within reach long enough to let the offense work is the mission.

Prediction

The Dodgers present a significant challenge on their home turf with Snell on the mound and that lineup loaded from top to bottom. The Pirates will need nearly everything to go right — Bachar pitching well, the offense making Snell work, and the bullpen holding. That's a lot to ask on the road. Dodgers win this one, but don't be surprised if the Pirates make them earn it.