Los Angeles Angels vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 5, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET
Location: PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM), SportsNet Pittsburgh / MLB.TV
Pitching Matchup: Yusei Kikuchi (0-5, 5.65 ERA) vs. Braxton Ashcraft (14-5, 3.59 ERA)
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Konnor Griffin’s effect was immediately felt in his return on Friday. Griffin scored from first on a double down the right field line by Jake Mangum. It was a play only a handful of players in baseball could make, and manager Don Kelly said Griffin may be the only one with the speed to score on the play. It’s all the offense Pittsburgh needed in the 1-0 victory.
The Pirates (70-72) have won seven of their last 10 games and are looking to win the sixth of their last seven series, attempting to crawl back in the wild card race. Braxton Ashcraft has pitched at least five innings over his last seven starts and has found a second half groove following a very difficult July.
Ashcraft earned a 2.13 ERA in six starts this August with 29 strikeouts compared to five walks over 38 innings. He has been the Pirates’ most consistent starter and ranks tied for fifth in baseball in wins (14). Will his success continue against Los Angeles?
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