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Pfaadt vs. Chandler: D-backs Ace, Pirates Phenom in Must-See Duel
Pirates vs. Diamondbacks: Game 2 Preview – What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
The Pittsburgh Pirates are back at home, playing the second game of a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Think of it like a best-of-three playoff series, but in the middle of the regular season—every win counts as the calendar flips from July to August.
Important Point
This is a home game at PNC Park, which means the Pirates have the "last at-bat" advantage. If the game is tied after 8½ innings, they get one final chance to win it in the bottom of the 9th.
Meet the Starting Pitchers
In baseball, the starting pitcher sets the tone for the whole game. Here’s who’s taking the mound tonight:
Bubba Chandler – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Start #21 of his rookie season
- Record: 3 wins – 8 losses
- ERA (Earned Run Average): 4.47
→ This means he gives up about 4.5 runs per 9 innings on average. Lower is better! - Last Time Out: Faced the New York Yankees on the road
- Pitched 6⅓ innings (that’s 19 outs!)
- Allowed only 2 hits and zero earned runs
- Tough luck: The Pirates’ bullpen (relief pitchers) gave up 2 runs in the 7th inning, and the offense couldn’t score. Final: Yankees 2, Pirates 0
Brandon Pfaadt – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Record: 5 wins – 1 loss
- ERA: 4.43
- Hot Streak: Has won his last 5 starts after starting the season 0–13 (winless in his first 13 tries!)
- Recent Work: Only 2 starts since the All-Star break, both vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Last start (July 23): 6 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs allowed – Diamondbacks won 10–6
Key Takeaway
Chandler has been pitching better than his record shows (especially lately).
Pfaadt has figured something out mid-season and is rolling with 5 straight wins.
Why This Game Matters
- Home-field advantage: PNC Park is one of the best parks in baseball—Pirates need to protect their turf.
- Season timeline: We’re entering the final stretch (August → September). Every game impacts playoff positioning.
- Series momentum: Win tonight, and the Pirates take the series with a game to spare tomorrow.
How to Watch & Listen
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Radio | KDKA AM 1020 / FM 93.7 |
| TV/Streaming | SportsNet Pittsburgh |
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
Quick Glance: Pitching Matchup Stats
| Stat | Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) | Bubba Chandler (PIT) |
|---|---|---|
| W-L | 5–1 | 3–8 |
| ERA | 4.43 | 4.47 |
| Recent Form | 5 straight wins | 6.1 IP, 0 ER last start |
| Note | Turned season around after 0–13 start | Unlucky loss vs. NYY |
Summary
- Game 2 of 3 at PNC Park: Pirates vs. Diamondbacks
- Chandler (PIT) vs. Pfaadt (ARI) – both have ~4.45 ERA, but very different recent stories
- Chandler dominated the Yankees but got no run support
- Pfaadt has won 5 straight after a rough start to the year
- Pirates are in must-win mode as the season enters its final third
- Catch the action on KDKA Radio or SportsNet Pittsburgh
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
What does "ERA" mean?
Earned Run Average – the average number of runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. Think of it like a "runs-allowed score."
Why is Chandler 3–8 if he pitched well last time?
Baseball wins/losses for pitchers depend heavily on run support (did his team score?) and bullpen performance (did relievers hold the lead?). Chandler has had bad luck in both areas.
What’s a "quality start"?
When a starter goes at least 6 innings and allows 3 or fewer earned runs. Chandler’s last start (6.1 IP, 0 ER) was elite—way better than a quality start.
Why did Pfaadt start 0–13?
Early season struggles happen—even to good pitchers. Could be mechanics, confidence, facing tough lineups, or just bad luck. What matters: he fixed it.
What happens if the game is tied after 9 innings?
Extra innings! They keep playing until one team is ahead at the end of a full inning. Since it’s at PNC Park, the Pirates bat last—big advantage.
Go Bucs!
Drop your predictions in the comments below!
