The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Friday, September 4, for a 6:45 PM ET regular season matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Jared Jones gets the ball for Pittsburgh, squaring off against Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson in what shapes up as a late-season contest with real stakes on the line. Whether you are watching on Apple TV or listening on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan, this is a game worth your full attention as the Pirates look to protect their home turf down the stretch.
Pirates vs. Angels Game Preview: Friday, September 4, 2026
Starting Pitchers
Jared Jones gets the nod for the Pirates. The young right-hander has been one of the most closely watched arms in Pittsburgh's rotation, and any late-season start at PNC Park carries added weight when the standings are in play. Jones has the kind of stuff that can put a lineup away early, and the home crowd gives him every reason to come out sharp.
Opposing him is Ryan Johnson for Los Angeles. Johnson is a name Pittsburgh hitters will need to prepare for, but without deeper statistical context available, the approach at the plate has to be disciplined — work counts, do not chase, and make him earn every out.
Keys to Watch
- Jones's command early: When Jones is locating his fastball and mixing his secondary pitches effectively, he is difficult to square up. Getting deep into counts against the Angels lineup is the goal.
- Pittsburgh's offense against a less-familiar arm: Ryan Johnson is not a name Pirates hitters see regularly. First-time matchups can go either way — the key is patience and not expanding the zone against an unfamiliar pitcher.
- Bullpen management: Late-season games carry real consequences, and how Pittsburgh deploys its relief arms behind Jones could be the deciding factor if this game stays close into the seventh inning and beyond.
- PNC Park atmosphere: A Friday night home game in September has its own energy. The crowd at PNC Park can be a genuine factor, and the Pirates have historically played well in front of their home fans when the setting calls for it.
Broadcast Information
The game airs on Apple TV and can be heard locally on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. Angels radio coverage is available on KLAA 830.
Prediction
This one comes down to Jones. If he is on, the Pirates win this game at home. A quality start — six-plus innings, three runs or fewer — puts Pittsburgh in the driver's seat against an Angels club that has traveled cross-country for this series. Lean Pittsburgh, 4-2, with Jones going at least six and the PNC Park crowd making it a long night for Los Angeles.
