The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their homestand at PNC Park on Sunday, August 16, when they welcome the Boston Red Sox for a 1:35 PM ET first pitch. Lake Bachar gets the ball for Pittsburgh opposite Boston's Patrick Sandoval. Both clubs are deep into the 2026 season, and with roster decisions and positioning still in play, this is exactly the kind of afternoon game that can tell you a lot about where each organization stands heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Probable Pitchers: Lake Bachar vs. Patrick Sandoval
Lake Bachar draws the start for the Pirates. Bachar has been working his way through the Pittsburgh system and earning big-league opportunities, and a home start against a name-brand opponent like Boston is a chance to make a statement. Pittsburgh will want to see him attack the strike zone and give the bullpen a genuine break — both things that matter more and more as the season wears on.
Patrick Sandoval gets the nod for the Red Sox. Sandoval is a left-handed starter with a track record of generating soft contact and keeping hitters off balance with his changeup. Pittsburgh's lineup will need to be patient and disciplined, particularly against his secondary stuff early in counts.
Keys to Watch for the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Bachar's command: The biggest question mark in any start for a pitcher establishing himself at this level is control. If Bachar pounds the zone and forces Boston to earn their way on base, Pittsburgh has a real shot at keeping this game close through the middle innings.
- Plate discipline against Sandoval: Left-handed starters who mix speeds can make a Pirates lineup look passive in a hurry. Working counts, fouling off tough pitches, and making Sandoval work deep into at-bats will be critical.
- Bullpen management: Bachar's pitch count and efficiency will dictate how the Pirates deploy their relief arms on a Sunday afternoon. How Pittsburgh manages the back end of this game could be as telling as the start itself.
- Run support: The Pirates need to put crooked numbers on the board early. Spotting a starter like Sandoval a lead and chasing the game all afternoon is a recipe for a frustrating loss.
Broadcast Information
Pittsburgh fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh on television or tune in on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan. Boston viewers have NESN. Spanish-language radio coverage is also available.
Prediction
This figures to be a tightly contested afternoon game at one of the best ballparks in baseball. PNC Park crowds on a Sunday in August tend to be energetic, and the Pirates will have every opportunity to send their fans home happy. It comes down to whether Bachar can give Pittsburgh five or six quality innings and whether the offense shows enough patience to solve Sandoval. Expect a low-scoring game that stays within a run or two deep into the seventh. Give the edge to whichever bullpen blinks first — and on a Sunday at home, bet on Pittsburgh finding a way. Pirates 3, Red Sox 2.
