The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Boston Red Sox on Friday, August 14, 2026, at PNC Park with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. Bubba Chandler gets the ball for the Bucs opposite Boston left-hander Jake Bennett in what shapes up as an intriguing matchup of young arms. With the regular season in its dog days and every game carrying postseason implications, this is not a contest Pittsburgh can afford to sleepwalk through. Catch it on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Pitching Matchup: Bubba Chandler vs. Jake Bennett
Bubba Chandler is the headliner here, and for good reason. The Pirates pitching prospect has been one of the more compelling stories in Pittsburgh in recent seasons, and Friday night at PNC Park is another opportunity for him to prove he belongs at the top of a major league rotation. The right-hander's stuff is not in question — it never has been. What matters is execution over six or seven innings against a Boston lineup that can punish any mistake.
On the other side, Jake Bennett makes the trip to the North Shore representing a Red Sox organization that has invested heavily in developing its pitching. Bennett is a name to know heading into the final stretch of 2026, and Pittsburgh hitters will need to do their homework. Neither pitcher's current season stats were available at time of publication, which makes this one of those evenings where you watch the process — pitch selection, sequencing, command — rather than lean on the numbers.
Keys to Watch Friday Night
- Chandler's command early: If Chandler establishes his fastball in the first two innings and limits walks, Pittsburgh's bullpen gets a chance to breathe. Early control issues against Boston could cascade quickly.
- Pittsburgh's lineup vs. a young starter: Bennett is unproven at the major league level relative to some Red Sox veterans. The Pirates need to work counts, make him throw pitches, and punish anything elevated in the zone.
- Bullpen management: With no confirmed pitch count or injury data available, how each manager handles the late innings could be the difference in a one-run game.
- Home-field energy: PNC Park on a Friday night in August is one of the better atmospheres in the National League. Pittsburgh plays better at home, and that crowd matters.
Broadcast Information
- TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh (local), NESN (Boston)
- Radio: Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan
Prediction
This is a game that comes down to which young pitcher looks more comfortable in the moment. Chandler pitching at PNC Park, in front of a home crowd, with a full offseason of development behind him, is a formula Pittsburgh has to like. Give the edge to the Pirates, 4-2, in a game that stays tight through six innings before the home bullpen closes it out. The Bucs take the opener of this series and put pressure on Boston heading into the weekend.
