The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their Sunday afternoon home slate at PNC Park on September 20, 2026, hosting the Kansas City Royals for a 1:35 PM ET first pitch. Right-hander Lake Bachar takes the ball for Pittsburgh against veteran Michael Wacha, who toes the rubber for Kansas City. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Pirates will look to their lineup — led by Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, and top prospect Konnor Griffin at the top — to generate enough offense to give Bachar a chance to work.

Pitching Matchup: Lake Bachar vs. Michael Wacha

Lake Bachar gets the nod for Pittsburgh in what figures to be a significant regular-season opportunity. The young right-hander will face a Kansas City lineup that is far from easy to navigate, anchored by Bobby Witt Jr. hitting second and Salvador Perez cleaning up at cleanup. Bachar will need to limit the damage against the top of the Royals order, particularly Witt Jr., who is one of the most dynamic shortstops in the American League.

On the other side, Michael Wacha is a seasoned arm with years of big-league experience. Wacha works efficiently, typically throwing strikes and trusting his defense. Pittsburgh's lineup will need to be patient and look for pitches to drive early in counts if they want to get to the Kansas City bullpen before the late innings.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

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

Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup

• 1. Maikel Garcia, 3B
• 2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
• 3. Jac Caglianone, DH
• 4. Salvador Perez, 1B
• 5. Michael Massey, 2B
• 6. Nick Loftin, RF
• 7. John Rave, LF
• 8. Luke Maile, C
• 9. Tyler Tolbert, CF

Three Keys to Watch on Sunday

• Konnor Griffin setting the table: The young shortstop is hitting leadoff, and his ability to get on base will dictate the tone for the top of the order. Reynolds and Cruz hitting third and fourth is a dangerous combination when someone is already on base in front of them.
• Containing Bobby Witt Jr.: Witt Jr. is a handful at the plate and on the bases. If Bachar cannot keep him off base, Kansas City's offense can build innings quickly with the heart of their order due up behind him.
• Oneil Cruz's power threat: Cruz hitting cleanup in center field is a statement. His raw power in a pitcher-friendly park like PNC can change a game with one swing. Wacha will likely be careful with him, which could open up opportunities for Nick Gonzales hitting fifth.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Pittsburgh at home. Bachar faces a tough test against a Royals lineup built around Witt Jr. and Perez, but PNC Park's dimensions and a Pittsburgh order that features genuine middle-of-the-lineup firepower give the Bucs a legitimate edge. If Reynolds and Cruz come through in key spots and Bachar can keep Kansas City off the board through five-plus innings, the Pirates take this one. Pirates 4, Royals 3.

Catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen live on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.