The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up a road trip with a Saturday afternoon matchup against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 26, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 PM ET. Kirby Yates takes the mound for Pittsburgh against a Detroit club sending out Justin Verlander. With the regular season winding down, every game in the standings carries weight, and the Bucs need to bring their best to a ballpark that has never been an easy place to win. Catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh or on the radio at 100.1 FM/KDKA-AM 1020.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Detroit Tigers: Starting Pitchers for September 26
Kirby Yates draws the start for the Pirates in this one. Yates has built a reputation as a competitor capable of generating swings and misses, and Pittsburgh will need him to be sharp against a Detroit lineup playing at home in the final stretch of the season. His job is straightforward: keep the Tigers off the board early and give the Pittsburgh offense a chance to work.
On the other side, the Tigers roll out Justin Verlander, a name that needs no introduction in baseball circles. Verlander is one of the most decorated pitchers of his generation, and facing him on the road in late September is never a comfortable position. The Pirates will need to be disciplined at the plate and look for any crack in Verlander's command.
Keys to Watch for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Plate discipline against Verlander: Verlander has made a career of exploiting impatient hitters. Pittsburgh's lineup will need to work counts, lay off the chases, and force him to throw strikes. Any free bases become critical.
- Yates setting the tone early: Road starts in late September can go sideways fast. If Yates can navigate the first two or three innings cleanly and keep Detroit's offense in check, the Pirates give their bullpen a manageable situation to handle.
- Capitalizing on opportunities: Against a pitcher of Verlander's caliber, Pittsburgh may not get many multi-run innings. The Bucs need to convert when runners reach base and avoid stranding opportunities on the bases.
- Bullpen readiness: Depending on Yates's workload, the Pittsburgh relief corps will likely play a significant role. Late-game execution out of the bullpen could determine the outcome.
Broadcast Information
- TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Detroit SportsNet
- Radio: 100.1 FM / KDKA-AM 1020
- Spanish radio: LaZ WDTW 1310AM / 107.9FM
Pirates vs. Tigers Prediction
This is a tough draw. Verlander at home in September is one of the harder assignments a road team can face, and Pittsburgh will need a disciplined, clean performance to steal this one. If Yates keeps Detroit's lineup honest through the middle innings and the Pirates find a way to put crooked numbers on the board against Verlander, this game is winnable. But it requires near-perfect execution. Expect a low-scoring, tight ballgame. Pirates pull it out 3-2 if everything clicks — but the Tigers are the slight favorite to take this one at Comerica.
