The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Chicago for a Friday afternoon matchup against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET on September 11, 2026. This is a late-season regular season game with real stakes — every game in September matters when standings are being sorted out. Wilber Dotel gets the ball for Pittsburgh against one of the Cubs' most notable arms in Shota Imanaga, and how these two starters perform will largely dictate whether the Bucs leave the North Side with a win.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs — September 11, 2026 Game Preview
Starting Pitchers: Dotel vs. Imanaga
Wilber Dotel draws the start for the Pirates in what is a significant regular season assignment. Dotel is a name Pittsburgh fans have watched develop, and a strong outing at a historic road venue like Wrigley Field would be a statement moment. The Pirates need innings from their starters down the stretch, and Dotel will need to work efficiently against a Cubs lineup that can put up crooked numbers in a hurry.
On the other side, Shota Imanaga takes the mound for Chicago. Imanaga has established himself as a legitimate frontline starter for the Cubs, and facing him on the road is a genuine test. The Pirates' offense will need to be disciplined and patient — Imanaga is not the type of pitcher you beat by swinging early in counts and hoping for the best.
Keys to Watch for the Pirates
- Dotel's command: Wrigley Field can be unpredictable depending on wind conditions. Dotel must keep the ball in the zone and avoid deep counts that lead to walks or elevated pitch counts early.
- Plate discipline against Imanaga: Working counts and getting into the Cubs bullpen is the surest path to scoring runs. The Pirates need to grind at-bats and not chase.
- Bullpen readiness: If Dotel runs into trouble before the fifth or sixth inning, Pittsburgh's relief corps must be ready to hold the game close and give the offense a chance to answer.
- Early offense: Road games at Wrigley can be loud and momentum-driven. Getting on the board early takes the crowd out of the equation and puts pressure on the home side.
How to Watch and Listen
Pittsburgh fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh on television. Radio coverage is available on 100.1 FM and KDKA-AM 1020, with an additional FM option on 104.3 The Score. Spanish-language listeners can tune to WPPN 106.7 or TUDN. Cubs fans have Marquee Sports Network on the TV side.
Prediction
This is a tough spot for Pittsburgh. Road starts are hard enough, and going up against Imanaga in September at Wrigley adds another layer of difficulty. That said, the Pirates have an opportunity to steal a game if Dotel keeps the Cubs off the board through the middle innings and the Pittsburgh offense shows patience against Imanaga's stuff. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game. The edge goes to Chicago at home, but the Pirates are capable of pulling the upset if the right pieces click. Cubs 3, Pirates 2.
