The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up another home date at PNC Park on Saturday, September 19, when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch. Bubba Chandler gets the ball for the Bucs against Royals right-hander Noah Cameron in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup between two arms still carving out their place in the big leagues. With the regular season winding down, every game at the corner of Federal Street carries real stakes for both clubs. Catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Probable Starting Pitchers: Bubba Chandler vs. Noah Cameron

Bubba Chandler is the headliner here for Pittsburgh. The hard-throwing Pirates prospect has been one of the more closely watched arms in the organization, and late-September starts are exactly the kind of proving-ground moments that define a young pitcher's offseason standing. The Pirates will need Chandler to work deep into the game and limit free passes — his ability to command the strike zone will be the central question in this one.

For Kansas City, Noah Cameron draws the assignment. Cameron is another young arm trying to show big-league durability down the stretch. Neither pitcher has finalized season stats available at time of preview, so the matchup carries a degree of uncertainty, but that only adds to the intrigue. Both dugouts will be watching pitch counts carefully.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Konnor Griffin — SS
• 2. Oneil Cruz — DH
• 3. Bryan Reynolds — LF
• 4. Rafael Flores Jr. — C
• 5. Brandon Lowe — 2B
• 6. Nick Gonzales — 3B
• 7. Ryan O'Hearn — 1B
• 8. Ronny Simon — RF
• 9. Jake Mangum — CF

Keys to Watch at PNC Park

Konnor Griffin Leading Off

Griffin slots in at the top of the order at shortstop. Getting him on base early sets the table for Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds — two hitters with legitimate run-producing upside. If Griffin can work counts and reach base, the middle of this Pirates lineup becomes a real problem for Cameron.

Oneil Cruz in the Two Hole

Cruz batting second is worth noting. His combination of raw power and speed makes him a legitimate threat whether Pittsburgh is trying to manufacture a run or go deep. His at-bats against Cameron will be worth watching from the first inning on.

Bryan Reynolds Anchoring the Three Spot

Reynolds remains the veteran presence in this lineup. Hitting third, he is the Pirates' most consistent run-producing threat, and how he fares against a less-familiar arm like Cameron could swing the game's outcome.

Bubba Chandler's Pitch Efficiency

The Pirates need Chandler to be efficient. A short outing puts pressure on a bullpen that has been stretched over a long season. If Chandler can navigate the Royals' lineup through five or six innings, Pittsburgh is in a strong position.

Prediction

This one feels like a low-scoring affair with two young starters who both have something to prove. The Pirates' lineup has enough firepower at the top — Griffin, Cruz, Reynolds — to scratch across two or three runs, and if Chandler is on, that should be enough. Slight edge to Pittsburgh at home. Pirates 3, Royals 2.