The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park on Thursday, July 9, 2026, for a 12:35 PM ET matinee against the Atlanta Braves. Mitch Keller gets the ball for Pittsburgh, squaring off against Atlanta's Bryce Elder in a midseason clash that carries real weight as both clubs navigate the back half of the 2026 schedule. This one airs locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, so no excuses for missing it.
Pitching Matchup: Mitch Keller vs. Bryce Elder
Keller has been Pittsburgh's most dependable arm in the rotation for the better part of the last two seasons, and this start is another opportunity for him to anchor the staff in a marquee home matchup. He's the kind of pitcher who sets the tone early — when Keller is locating his cutter and mixing his off-speed pitches effectively, the Pirates have a chance to win any game. Thursday is exactly the spot where Pittsburgh needs him to eat innings and keep Atlanta's lineup in check.
Bryce Elder draws the assignment for the Braves. Elder is a contact-management pitcher who relies on generating weak contact and working through lineups efficiently rather than overpowering hitters. He can be had, but Pittsburgh's offense will need to work counts and force him into deeper pitch counts early to create traffic on the bases.
Keys to Watch for the Pirates
- Keller's command early: When Keller establishes his fastball in the zone in the first two innings, he dictates the pace of the game. Watch how quickly he gets ahead in counts against Atlanta's top of the order.
- Pittsburgh's approach against Elder: Elder's game plan is to generate early contact. The Pirates need to resist the urge to chase and instead make him work — walks and extra-base hits become more available the deeper into his pitch count the lineup can push him.
- Bullpen readiness: A day game at PNC Park in July brings heat and a packed schedule. If Keller runs into trouble after five or six innings, Pittsburgh's relief corps needs to be ready to protect any lead.
- Defense up the middle: Atlanta can put the ball in play and manufacture runs. Clean defense, especially up the middle, will be essential to keeping Braves baserunners from doing damage.
Prediction
This is a good spot for the Pirates. Keller pitching at home at PNC Park in a day game is a combination that has historically worked in Pittsburgh's favor, and Elder — while capable — is a pitcher this offense can solve with patience. Expect Keller to go six-plus innings and give the bullpen a manageable situation. Pirates take this one, 4-2, behind a quality start from Keller and timely hitting in the middle innings.
