The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM ET at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. Lake Bachar gets the ball for Pittsburgh opposite Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell. The matchup puts one of baseball's marquee franchises against a Pirates club looking to close out the trip on a winning note. Fans in Pittsburgh can catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen along on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Pitching Matchup: Lake Bachar vs. Blake Snell
Snell is the headliner here, and there is no sense pretending otherwise. The Dodgers are handing the ball to one of the game's most talented left-handers, a two-time Cy Young Award winner whose stuff — a wipeout curveball paired with a mid-90s fastball — gives any lineup fits. Pittsburgh hitters will need to stay disciplined at the plate and work counts rather than chasing early in at-bats. Snell's command can waver, and walks are not a foreign concept to his outings. If the Pirates can get into his pitch count, the Dodgers bullpen becomes a factor.
Bachar draws the assignment for the Pirates. Taking the mound at Dodger Stadium against Los Angeles's lineup is a significant challenge, and how he manages the early innings will set the tone for Pittsburgh's chances. The Pirates' pitching staff will need a quality outing to keep this game competitive from the outset.
Keys to Watch for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Plate discipline against Snell: Snell's curveball is a premium put-away pitch, but he has historically issued walks. Pittsburgh's hitters need to resist expanding the zone and look for pitches they can drive.
- Early offense: Snell can be vulnerable before he settles in. Scoring first would force the Dodgers to play from behind and potentially limits how deep Snell goes into the game.
- Bachar's command: Pitching in a hostile environment against a potent lineup, Bachar cannot afford to fall behind in counts. Keeping the ball in the strike zone and limiting free passes will be critical.
- Bullpen management: If Bachar exits early, the Pirates' relief corps will face extended duty in a ballpark that plays well for power hitters. Managing the back end of the staff is essential.
- Defensive execution: Against a lineup with the Dodgers' caliber, clean defense behind the starter keeps potential big innings from spiraling. Errors or miscommunications can be costly in a hurry on the road.
Prediction
The honest assessment here is that Snell presents a difficult puzzle, and Dodger Stadium is not a forgiving venue for a visiting pitcher still establishing himself at this level. The Dodgers carry a significant advantage in this individual matchup on paper. That said, Pittsburgh has shown the ability to compete in tough road environments, and the Pirates won't roll over. If Bachar can deliver four or five solid innings and keep the deficit manageable, this game stays within reach. Expect the Dodgers to take this one, but don't be surprised if the Pirates make them earn it into the late innings.
