The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Los Angeles for a Saturday night showdown at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch set for 7:15 PM ET on August 22, 2026. Jared Jones takes the ball for Pittsburgh against Tarik Skubal in what is a marquee regular-season pitching matchup. This one airs nationally on FOX/FOX ONE, meaning the Pirates are on a big stage — a chance to make a statement against one of the National League's most well-resourced clubs. How Pittsburgh's young arm handles that spotlight matters.
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Tarik Skubal
Jared Jones gets the nod for the Buccos. The right-hander has been one of the more compelling storylines in Pittsburgh's rotation, and this start in Los Angeles is the kind of assignment that either cements a pitcher's reputation or humbles him. He'll need sharp command and a willingness to work through a Dodgers lineup that consistently makes pitchers work deep into counts.
On the other side, Tarik Skubal is a legitimate frontline starter — the kind of arm that changes the calculus of a game before the first pitch is thrown. Pittsburgh's offense will need to stay disciplined, be selective early, and look to do damage when Skubal leaves a pitch in the zone. Chasing breaking balls early in counts against a pitcher of Skubal's caliber is a fast path to a long night at the plate.
Keys to Watch for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Jones's command: Against a lineup with the Dodgers' depth, Jones cannot afford to put runners on base via walks. Keeping the ball in the zone and getting early outs will be essential to a deep, competitive start.
- Plate discipline against Skubal: Pittsburgh's lineup needs to work counts and avoid chasing. Patience at the plate gives the Pirates a chance to get into the Dodgers' bullpen, which is where games can be won or lost.
- Bullpen management: If Jones runs into trouble early, Pittsburgh's staff will be tested on the road in a high-profile game. How the Pirates manage their arms out of the bullpen could be the defining factor in the late innings.
- Capitalize on opportunities: Against elite starters, runs often come in bunches during brief windows of vulnerability. The Pirates cannot afford to strand runners when they do get on base.
Broadcast Information
The game is nationally televised on FOX/FOX ONE. Pirates fans can also tune in locally on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Prediction
This is a tough draw. Skubal is a difficult assignment for any offense, and Pittsburgh is playing away from PNC Park in a hostile environment. That said, Jared Jones is capable of keeping the Pirates competitive into the middle innings. If he can give Pittsburgh five or six quality frames and the offense can scratch across a couple of runs against Skubal, the Pirates have a puncher's chance. Expect a low-scoring game decided by small margins. Dodgers 4, Pirates 2 — but don't be surprised if Jones makes this interesting deep into the night.
