PITTSBURGH — After a lopsided loss in Friday’s opener, the Pittsburgh Pirates (30-47) will look to regroup and even the series on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Texas Rangers (37-39) in Game 2 of a three-game set at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.

The Pirates were outclassed in the opener, falling 6-2 behind a dominant outing from Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who silenced Pittsburgh’s bats with six innings of two-run ball. The loss highlighted the Pirates’ recent struggles, as they’ve dropped seven of their last 10 contests and continue to seek consistency both at the plate and on the mound.

Saturday offers a fresh opportunity, and the matchup projects to be far more competitive. With the Pirates expected to send RHP Mitch Keller to the mound and the Rangers countering with RHP Nathan Eovaldi, this game is shaping up as a potential pitchers’ duel — or at least a far tighter affair than Game 1.

Key Players to Watch

• Andrew McCutchen (PIT): The veteran outfielder continues to pace the Pirates offense with a .271 average and brings needed leadership to a young roster. Look for him to spark the top of the lineup.
• Oneil Cruz (PIT): Cruz leads the team with 13 home runs and has the raw power to flip a game with one swing. He’ll be looking to rebound after a quiet night at the plate.
• Josh Smith (TEX): Riding a seven-game hitting streak, Smith remains one of the Rangers’ most consistent bats. He’s hitting .292 on the season and is a tough out for any pitcher.
• Adolis Garcia (TEX): Garcia put on a show in the opener with three hits, including a home run, and two highlight-reel plays in right field. He’s a two-way threat the Pirates must contain.

Pitching Matchup

• PIT: Mitch Keller (6-5, 4.23 ERA)
  Keller has shown flashes of brilliance this season but remains inconsistent. His ability to keep the ball in the yard will be critical against a Texas lineup that flexed its power Friday.
• TEX: Nathan Eovaldi (5-3, 3.98 ERA)
  The veteran right-hander brings postseason pedigree and a strong fastball-splitter combo. He’ll aim to extend the Rangers’ recent momentum and keep them in the hunt in the AL West.

What’s at Stake

For the Pirates, it’s about salvaging the series and avoiding another slide in the standings. For the Rangers, a win would move them closer to .500 and a potential series sweep — a crucial confidence boost as they chase consistency in a competitive AL race.

With warmer weather expected and a weekend crowd on hand, Saturday’s showdown at PNC Park has all the ingredients of a tightly contested ballgame. Both clubs have something to prove, and Game 2 could go down to the wire.