The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 13, for a 2:20 PM ET matinee against the Chicago Cubs. Bubba Chandler gets the start for Pittsburgh against Chicago's Matthew Boyd in what figures to be a meaningful late-season regular season matchup between two NL Central rivals. Catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. For Cubs fans tuning in, Marquee Sports Network has the call.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs: September 13, 2026 Game Preview
Wrigley Field is always a tough place to play, and the Pirates know it. The ivy, the wind off Lake Michigan, and a Cubs crowd that shows up loud for Sunday afternoon baseball — Pittsburgh will need a complete effort to come away with a win in this one.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Bubba Chandler (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Chandler gets the ball for the Bucs in this road start. The young right-hander has been one of the more closely watched arms in Pittsburgh's rotation this season, and Sunday gives him a chance to make a statement in a high-profile venue against a division opponent. How he handles the Cubs' lineup at Wrigley will be worth watching closely.
Matthew Boyd (Chicago Cubs)
Boyd takes the mound for Chicago. A veteran left-hander with big-game experience, Boyd presents a real challenge for a Pittsburgh lineup that will need to work counts and stay disciplined to generate offense. Left-handers at Wrigley with a live fastball and secondary stuff can be difficult to solve, especially in a day game.
Keys to Watch for the Pirates
- Chandler's command: Wrigley Field day games can be unpredictable — wind, sun, and a rowdy crowd can all affect a young pitcher's rhythm. Chandler needs to attack the zone early and limit free passes.
- Discipline at the plate: Boyd is experienced enough to keep hitters off-balance. Pittsburgh's lineup will need to work deep counts and avoid chasing off-speed pitches out of the zone.
- Bullpen management: With the regular season in its final weeks, every game carries weight. How the Pirates' coaching staff deploys the bullpen behind Chandler could be the difference in a close game.
- Road environment: Wrigley Field on a Sunday afternoon is one of baseball's best atmospheres. The Pirates will need to stay composed and not let the moment get too big.
Prediction
This is a coin-flip game on paper. Boyd is capable of shutting down Pittsburgh's offense, and the Wrigley environment adds another layer of difficulty for the road club. But Chandler has shown the ability to compete, and a Pirates team with late-season urgency is not one to dismiss. Expect a close, low-scoring game that could come down to a single inning. Slight edge to the Cubs at home, but the Pirates are more than capable of stealing this one. Pirates 3, Cubs 4.
