Dodgers vs Pirates preview, prediction and how to watch
The Pittsburgh Pirates welcome one of baseball's most dangerous lineups to PNC Park on Tuesday night as they begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While the Dodgers enter the matchup with a stronger record and championship expectations, much of the spotlight will fall on Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes, whose performance could determine whether the Pirates can halt their recent slide.
Los Angeles arrives in Pittsburgh with a 42-24 record after taking two of three games from the Los Angeles Angels. However, the Dodgers failed to complete a series sweep after suffering a 13-5 defeat in Sunday's finale, exposing some pitching concerns despite another productive day from their offense.
Shohei Ohtani continued his excellent season by raising his batting average above .300, while Dalton Rushing delivered one of his strongest performances of the campaign with a home run and four-hit outing.
The Pirates, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after being swept by the Atlanta Braves. Pittsburgh remained competitive throughout the series but struggled to generate timely offense, particularly in Sunday's 3-2 defeat after surrendering a late lead.
Skenes faces pressure to deliver
Few pitchers in Major League Baseball command more attention than Paul Skenes. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner enters the contest with a 6-5 record and a 2.83 ERA, numbers that continue to place him among the league's elite despite a few uneven recent outings.
Since mid-May, Skenes has not looked quite as dominant as he did earlier in the season. His most recent start against Houston saw him allow three runs, though only one was earned, across 4.2 innings.
Even so, the 24-year-old remains Pittsburgh's biggest weapon against a Dodgers lineup loaded with power and experience.
For Los Angeles, Eric Lauer gets the assignment. The left-hander owns a 2-5 record with a 5.74 ERA and is still seeking consistency after recently rejoining the Dodgers' rotation. He showed encouraging signs against Arizona in his last appearance but faces a significantly tougher challenge against a Pirates lineup eager to respond after a disappointing weekend.
Star power across both dugouts
The Dodgers continue to be powered by Ohtani, whose MVP-caliber campaign has once again placed him among baseball's most dangerous hitters.
Alongside emerging contributors such as Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages, Los Angeles possesses enough offensive firepower to change a game with a single inning.
Pittsburgh counters with a lineup featuring Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and Marcell Ozuna, players capable of providing the run support Skenes needs. The Pirates' challenge will be converting scoring opportunities after leaving too many runners stranded during their recent series against Atlanta.
Key Matchup: Dodgers Offense vs. Paul Skenes
The game's defining battle will be whether Los Angeles can solve Skenes early. When Skenes establishes his fastball and commands the strike zone, he is among the most difficult pitchers in baseball to face. If he can work deep into the game, Pittsburgh's chances increase significantly.
Conversely, if the Dodgers force high pitch counts and reach the Pirates bullpen early, their offensive depth could become decisive.
Prediction
The Dodgers remain one of the strongest teams in baseball, but this matchup heavily favors Pittsburgh on the mound. Skenes has the ability to neutralize even elite offenses, and returning home after a frustrating series against Atlanta could provide the spark the Pirates need.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 3
Probable Starting Pitchers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates
Paul Skenes (6-5, 2.83 ERA)
How to watch
Game: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Date: June 9, 2026
Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET
TV: Spectrum SportsNet, SportsNet Pittsburgh
Streaming: MLB.TV
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