The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET. This is the matchup Pirates fans circled on the calendar: Paul Skenes squaring off against Shota Imanaga in what shapes up as one of the better pitching duels the Steel City will see all season. Both starters bring legitimate frontline stuff to the mound, and with the NL Central race a constant backdrop, every game between these two clubs carries weight. Catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on 104.3 The Score and Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Probable Starters: Skenes Against Imanaga
Paul Skenes gets the ball for Pittsburgh. The right-hander has established himself as one of the most compelling young arms in the National League, bringing a power arsenal that generates swings and misses at every level of the strike zone. His ability to throw multiple pitches with plus command gives the Pirates a genuine stopper whenever he takes the hill.
Chicago counters with Shota Imanaga, the left-hander who has been one of the Cubs' most reliable starters. Imanaga mixes an elite command profile with a pitch mix that keeps hitters uncomfortable, and he has shown the ability to work deep into ballgames. Left-handers at PNC Park can be tricky — the park plays differently for pitchers who work the inner half — so how Imanaga navigates the Pittsburgh lineup will be worth watching closely.
Keys to Watch Saturday Night
- Skenes' pitch efficiency: The longer Skenes stays in this game, the better Pittsburgh's bullpen situation looks for the rest of the series. Getting him into the seventh or beyond is a legitimate goal when he is at his best.
- Pittsburgh's approach against Imanaga: Imanaga lives on command and sequencing. Hitters who chase early in counts will struggle. The Pirates need patient at-bats to make him work and get into the Chicago bullpen.
- PNC Park atmosphere: A Saturday night game under the lights along the Allegheny River is one of the best settings in baseball. The crowd energy can be a real factor, and Pirates home performances deserve scrutiny — a comfortable home environment should translate into execution.
- The bullpen bridge: Whichever team gets to the other's bullpen first gains a structural advantage. Both starting pitchers limit damage, so late-inning matchups could decide this one.
Prediction
Low-scoring games are the expectation when two pitchers of this caliber meet. Skenes at PNC Park on a Saturday night is a tough assignment for any opposing lineup, and the Pirates should be able to keep this close into the seventh inning. Pittsburgh wins a tight one, 2-1, with Skenes delivering six or more quality innings and the offense scraping together just enough against Imanaga to get the job done.
