Pittsburgh Pirates
· 2026-07-11
Pittsburgh Pirates will play a day‑night doubleheader on Saturday after Friday night’s rain postponed their matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers. The first game is set for a 12:05 p.m. start, followed by a 4:05 p.m. showdown, giving the Pirates a chance to rebound from a 5‑10 loss to the Atlanta Braves on July 9, 2026.
Heavy rain fell over PNC Park Friday, forcing officials to halt play after a 1‑hour‑27‑minute delay. The downpour made the field unplayable, and safety concerns for players and fans led to the decision to postpone. Both clubs agreed to reschedule as a doubleheader, a move that keeps the series on track while preserving ticket revenue.
All‑Star right‑hander Braxton Ashcraft (9‑3, 3.24 ERA) was slated to open the first game, and rookie left‑hander Bubba Chandler (3‑8, 4.82 ERA) was set for the nightcap. Ashcraft, who earned his first All‑Star nod this season, will look to showcase his command after a solid stretch of quality starts. Chandler, still finding his footing, hopes the back‑to‑back schedule will give him extra reps against Milwaukee’s lineup.
The Pirates sit ninth in the National League with a .500 record (47‑47) and are on a two‑game losing streak. A win in either game could halt that slide and keep them within striking distance of the playoff bubble. Conversely, another loss would deepen the slump and widen the gap to the division leader.
Milwaukee plans to start two rookies: right‑hander Brandon Sproat (3‑4, 5.13 ERA) in the opener and left‑hander Shane Drohan (4‑2, 2.97 ERA) in the second game. Both pitchers have shown flashes of potential, and the Brewers hope the rain‑shortened schedule will give them a chance to test their young arms against a struggling Pirates lineup.
A day‑night doubleheader compresses 18 innings into a single day, taxing bullpens and testing bench depth. The Pirates will need to manage their relievers carefully, especially after using Ashcraft and Chandler in quick succession. Milwaukee’s bullpen will face a similar test, with the added pressure of keeping the game competitive for fans who braved the weather.
Fans who purchased tickets for Friday will receive new seats for Saturday’s games, and the club has promised a rain‑check policy for season‑ticket holders. The doubleheader offers a chance for a lively atmosphere despite the weather setbacks, and both teams will aim to deliver an entertaining night of baseball.
If the Pirates win one or both games, they could build momentum heading into their next series against a division rival. A loss would keep them on the back foot, making the upcoming road trip even more critical. The outcome Saturday will shape the narrative for the Pirates as they hover around the .500 mark.