Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cleveland Guardians, July 19, 2026, 1:40 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are finishing off their first series of the season’s second half as they take on the Cleveland Guardians in a Sunday afternoon game.

The Battle of the Aces in today’s matchup, as Paul Skenes takes the mound for the Pirates. He is struggling this season with an 8-8 record, but his 3.57 ERA is still relatively sound. Skenes has won his last two starts, including his most recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 12. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three hits and two runs in Pittsburgh’s 14-5 victory over Milwaukee. A 10-run fourth inning gave the Pirates everything they needed to coast. He only logged 82 pitches, so he could have gone further if he needed to.

The Guardians are going with their opening-day starter, Tanner Bibee, who has also struggled this season. Bibee is 3-9 with a 3.90 ERA, but he grabbed a win in his last start against the Miami Marlins on July 11. He pitched 6.2 innings, gave up five hits and one earned run in a 4-1 victory. The Guardians are 6-14 in games where Bibee pitches, which is not what you want from your best pitcher. The Pirates will try to continue that trend against the Guardians this afternoon.

Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Paul Skenes (8-8, 3.57 ERA) vs. Tanner Bibee (3-9, 3.90 ERA)

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