The Pittsburgh Pirates welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to PNC Park on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. It is a meaningful late-September regular season contest between two National League Central clubs, with Lake Bachar taking the hill for Pittsburgh against Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski. With the calendar turning deep into September, every game carries real weight in the standings, making this a matchup Pirates fans cannot afford to miss. Catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Probable Starters: Lake Bachar vs. Jacob Misiorowski
Pittsburgh goes with Lake Bachar as its probable starter Tuesday night. Bachar has been part of the Pirates' pitching mix and will carry the full responsibility of setting the tone against a Brewers lineup that has always been capable of making pitchers work deep into counts. His command and ability to generate early contact will be critical in keeping the Pirates in the game from the jump.
On the other side, Milwaukee counters with right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, a young arm who has drawn attention for his raw stuff. Misiorowski throws hard and has swing-and-miss potential, which means the Pirates' lineup will need to be disciplined at the plate, work counts early, and avoid chasing out of the zone. If Pittsburgh can get into Milwaukee's bullpen before the seventh inning, that opens the door.
Keys to Watch at PNC Park
- Bachar's command: Keeping runners off the bases early is essential. If Bachar can work efficiently through the Milwaukee order in the first three innings, the Pirates' bullpen gets a genuine chance to hold the lead late.
- Plate discipline against Misiorowski: His fastball-heavy approach can overpower hitters who get pull-happy. Pittsburgh's lineup needs to stay within the strike zone and look to drive pitches middle-away rather than expand.
- Capitalizing at home: PNC Park gives the Pirates a genuine advantage when they play loose and aggressive on the bases. Manufacturing runs — bunts, hit-and-run, sac flies — could be the difference in a tight, low-scoring game.
- Bullpen management: September rosters are expanded, which means both clubs have options. How each manager deploys that depth in the middle innings will shape the final three frames considerably.
Prediction
This shapes up as a pitcher's duel through the first five innings, with both Bachar and Misiorowski keeping the game close. The Pirates' offense will need to find at least one big swing — a two-run shot or a bases-clearing double — to break things open. PNC Park's intimate atmosphere in September has a way of energizing the home club. Look for Pittsburgh to grind out a 3-2 win in a game that is not decided until the eighth inning. Bachar keeps it manageable, the bullpen slams the door, and the Pirates take care of business at home.
