The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Wrigley Field on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a 2:20 PM ET regular season showdown against the Chicago Cubs. Paul Skenes gets the ball for Pittsburgh, squaring off against Clay Holmes for Chicago. With September baseball carrying real weight in the standings, this is a marquee pitching matchup between two arms capable of controlling a game from the first pitch. Catch it on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen along on 100.1 FM/KDKA-AM 1020.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs: Saturday Pitching Matchup Preview
When Paul Skenes takes a mound — any mound — it is the story of the game. The Pirates' right-hander has established himself as Pittsburgh's most important starter, and his outings carry the weight of a potential series-defining performance. Saturday's trip to Wrigley is no exception. The Cubs will counter with Clay Holmes, who brings his own pedigree to the rubber. Holmes is a pitcher who works with conviction, and the Cubs will lean on him to keep a Pirates lineup from doing early damage against a raucous afternoon crowd on the North Side of Chicago.
Keys to Watch in Saturday's Pirates-Cubs Game
Paul Skenes' Command and Pitch Mix
The entire Pittsburgh pitching game plan runs through Skenes. Watch how he attacks Cubs hitters early in counts. If his fastball is locating and his secondary pitches are generating early swings and misses, this could be a long afternoon for Chicago's offense. Skenes has the ability to put up innings in bunches, and keeping his pitch count manageable deep into the game is a priority for the Pirates.
Pittsburgh's Approach Against Holmes
Clay Holmes is not a pitcher opposing lineups take lightly. The Pirates will need patience in the box and disciplined at-bats to work Holmes into deeper counts. Pittsburgh's ability to string together quality plate appearances — rather than chasing individual splash plays — will be the difference in whether the offense generates consistent pressure or lets Holmes settle into a rhythm.
Bullpen Depth on Both Sides
September rosters mean expanded options out of the bullpen, and both clubs will have arms available. How each manager deploys relievers after their starter exits could easily swing the result. Late-game management will be worth watching closely if either starter runs into trouble in the fifth or sixth inning.
Game Details: Pirates at Cubs, September 12, 2026
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Pirates (away) at Chicago Cubs (home)
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- First Pitch: 2:20 PM ET
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Marquee Sports Network
- Radio: 100.1 FM / KDKA-AM 1020, 104.3 The Score
- Spanish Radio: WPPN 106.7 / TUDN
Prediction: Pirates vs. Cubs Saturday Afternoon
This game comes down to how long Paul Skenes stays in command. If he is dealing — and there is every reason to expect him to be — Pittsburgh has a legitimate shot to steal a win at Wrigley. Skenes versus Holmes is the kind of Saturday afternoon pitching duel that keeps the score close and puts the pressure on timely hitting. Expect a tight, low-scoring game. Give the edge to the Pirates if Skenes reaches the seventh inning with a lead in hand. Pittsburgh 3, Chicago 2.
