PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates (30-48) will look to avoid a home sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers (38-39) when the two clubs meet in the final game of their three-game set on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. CT, with the Rangers eyeing a return to .500 and the Pirates desperate to halt a skid that has seen them drop six of their last seven games.
Key Storyline: Can Pittsburgh Contain Adolis Garcia?
Adolis Garcia has caught fire for Texas, anchoring the lineup with authority. The All-Star outfielder has four doubles and a home run over his last 24 at-bats, including a three-hit performance with a homer in Friday’s series opener. His ability to punish left-handed pitching makes him a serious threat against Pirates starter Bailey Falter, who’s allowed three home runs and eight earned runs in his last 14 innings.
Falter (3-6, 4.08 ERA) will need to keep the ball down and away from Garcia’s pull zone — no easy task with wind reportedly blowing out toward left-center, favoring right-handed power hitters like Garcia. With Garcia’s 37% pull rate and rising launch angle (20.4° vs. LHP), one mistake could spell trouble for the Pirates early.
Rangers Offensive Momentum
Corey Seager has been consistent throughout the series, recording a hit in both games and showing signs of heating up. He’s 2-for-3 in his career against Falter and boasts a .268 BABIP — a sign that more hits could be on the way. Combine that with a struggling Pirates bullpen — which has surrendered seven home runs and holds a .388 SIERRA over the past 30 days — and the Rangers have a good opportunity to cash in once again.
On the Mound: Jack Leiter vs. Bailey Falter
Jack Leiter (1-1, 6.75 ERA) will get the start for Texas. While the rookie right-hander has taken some lumps in his debut season, he’s shown flashes of his elite potential, striking out seven over his last 9 2/3 innings. He’s recorded 4+ strikeouts in three of his last four starts, and he’ll face a Pittsburgh lineup that’s striking out 23% of the time over the last two weeks.
Falter’s task will be to navigate a lineup that’s steadily building momentum, even without Wyatt Langford (back spasms) and Jake Burger (IL). With the Pirates bullpen unreliable, Falter may be asked to pitch deep — a challenge against this surging Rangers offense.
Players to Watch
- Adolis Garcia (TEX): 5 hits in this series, power surging at the right time.
- Corey Seager (TEX): Quietly consistent, with multi-base potential against Falter.
- Bryan Reynolds (PIT): Returned from paternity leave Saturday but went hitless; Pittsburgh needs his bat to avoid the sweep.
- Jack Suwinski (PIT): Could provide lefty pop, especially if Leiter struggles early.
Final Thought
With their top bats heating up and the Pirates reeling, the Rangers have a golden opportunity to close the series with a statement. The Pirates, meanwhile, need a sharp outing from Falter and a jolt from the middle of their lineup to stay afloat.
