The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their home series against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET at PNC Park. Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft gets the ball for Pittsburgh, squaring off against familiar name Jameson Taillon, the former Pirate now pitching for Chicago. It is a midseason NL Central clash with division positioning on the line, and both clubs will want to take the finale. Coverage airs locally on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 104.3 The Score.
Pitching Matchup: Ashcraft vs. Taillon
Braxton Ashcraft is the story on the Pittsburgh side. The 24-year-old right-hander has been working to carve out a reliable role in the Pirates rotation, and a Sunday afternoon start at PNC Park against a division opponent is exactly the kind of audition that matters. Ashcraft's stuff — a heavy sinker with downward movement that can generate ground balls — profiles well against a Cubs lineup that can run deep. His ability to limit walks and work efficiently through lineups will be the central question Sunday.
On the other side stands Jameson Taillon, a name every Pirates fan knows well. Taillon came up through the Pittsburgh system, made his MLB debut in a Pirates uniform, and spent the early years of his career at PNC Park before eventually moving on. He is a polished, experienced starter who commands multiple pitches and rarely beats himself. Going up against his former club adds a storyline, but Taillon is a professional — expect him to come prepared and attack the Pirates lineup without sentiment.
Keys to Watch for Pittsburgh
- Ashcraft's command: If Ashcraft can stay ahead in counts and limit free passes, he gives the Pirates offense a chance to work with a lead. Walks against a lineup like Chicago's are costly.
- Squaring up Taillon: Taillon mixes his pitches well and lives on weak contact. The Pirates will need to be disciplined at the plate, work counts, and look for pitches to drive rather than expanding the zone.
- Bullpen depth: How deep Ashcraft can go matters. The less Pittsburgh has to rely on its relief corps in a close Sunday game, the better the margin for error.
- Home crowd energy: A 1:35 PM Sunday start at PNC Park typically draws a strong afternoon crowd. That atmosphere can carry real value for a young pitcher like Ashcraft working through mid-rotation pressure.
Prediction
This one hinges on Ashcraft. Taillon is a steady, reliable arm who is going to give the Cubs innings and keep Pittsburgh's offense honest. The Pirates will need to scratch and grind for runs, not blow the game open. If Ashcraft can work five or six quality innings and keep the Cubs at two runs or fewer, the Pittsburgh bullpen has a chance to hold it and the offense can find a way to manufacture enough. It figures to be a tight, low-scoring afternoon — the kind of game where one big inning or one mistake pitch decides everything. Lean Pirates, 3–2, in a game that goes deep into the late innings before Pittsburgh pulls it out at home.
