The Arizona Diamondbacks make the trip to PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, July 28, with a 6:40 PM ET first pitch against the Pirates. Brandon Pfaadt gets the ball for Arizona, squaring off against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler in an interleague road matchup that gives the D-backs a chance to build momentum away from home. It's a meaningful mid-summer game for a franchise that expects to compete, and how Arizona handles a road environment against a developing Pirates club will say something about where this team is heading in the second half.
Probable Starters: Brandon Pfaadt vs. Bubba Chandler
Pfaadt is Arizona's assignment here, and what he does with it matters. The right-hander has shown the kind of arm that can carry a rotation when he's commanding his fastball and keeping hitters off his breaking stuff. This is a road start against a Pirates lineup that will be looking to make him work — the kind of test that separates quality starters from streaky ones.
On the other side, Bubba Chandler is one of Pittsburgh's more intriguing young arms. He's the type of pitcher who can give opposing offenses fits when he's locating, but Arizona's lineup has enough quality at-bats to put pressure on him early and force him out of his comfort zone. The D-backs need to be aggressive without being undisciplined — patience and damage, in that order.
Keys to Watch for Arizona
- Pfaadt's command: His ability to establish the strike zone early will dictate Arizona's workload in the bullpen. A deep outing from Pfaadt protects the 'pen for the rest of the series.
- Offensive approach against Chandler: Chandler is young and capable, but he can be had with disciplined at-bats. Arizona needs to work counts and create traffic on the bases before looking for the big swing.
- Road composure: PNC Park is one of the better atmospheres in the National League. How Arizona responds to a hostile environment — staying process-focused and not pressing — will be worth monitoring.
- Bullpen management: If Pfaadt works deep into the game, the back end of Arizona's relief corps can close it out. If he doesn't, manager Torey Lovullo will need to navigate carefully through Pittsburgh's order.
Broadcast Information
Arizona fans can catch the game on DBACKS.TV or listen on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM. Pittsburgh's local broadcast airs on SportsNet Pittsburgh and Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Prediction
This one leans Arizona. Pfaadt has the stuff to neutralize a Pittsburgh lineup that is still developing its identity, and if the D-backs offense does its job early against a young starter in Chandler, Arizona should have enough to take this game on the road. Call it a 4-2 Diamondbacks win, with Pfaadt delivering six solid innings and the lineup producing just enough damage in the middle frames to make it hold.
