The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Chicago Cubs in the second game of a three-game series at PNC Park. The Pirates will feature pitcher Paul Skenes, while the Cubs will counter with Shota Imanaga.
Skenes has recently been in strong form, securing victories in each of his last three starts. His most recent win came against the Cleveland Guardians on July 19, where he pitched seven innings, allowing seven hits and one run. This marked the fourth occasion this season that Skenes has completed seven innings in a game. Overall, Skenes holds a 9-8 record with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.040 WHIP over 115.1 innings across 21 starts.
Imanaga, in his third season with the Cubs, enters the game with a 6-8 record and a 3.91 ERA. He has a 1.113 WHIP over 115 innings in 20 starts. His last outing on July 19 against the Minnesota Twins saw him pitch seven innings, giving up six hits with no earned runs in a 10-1 victory. Despite his current ERA, Imanaga was an All-Star in his rookie year in 2024.
Recent Performance and Matchup History
The Cubs opened their seven-game road trip against National League Central rivals with a 3-2 win over the Pirates on Friday night. Dansby Swanson singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning, and Seiya Suzuki contributed with a bases-loaded walk. Pete Crow-Armstrong tied the game earlier with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd had a strong performance, allowing one run on seven hits over seven innings in a no-decision.
The Pirates attempted a comeback in the 12th inning, with Nick Gonzales driving in a run with a groundout, but Bryan Reynolds lined out to end the game. Pirates pitcher Jared Jones delivered a notable performance, allowing one run on two hits over six innings. Henry Davis gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning with an infield single with the bases loaded.
When Imanaga previously faced the Pirates in April, he pitched six hitless innings. However, the Pirates ultimately rallied late to secure a 2-0 victory in that contest.
Pitching Analysis and Game Outlook
Skenes’ career average ERA is 2.35, but his ERA this season is 3.43. His Whiff % has also seen a decrease, from the 83rd percentile last season to the 68th percentile in MLB this season. Over his last five starts, Skenes has a 5.27 ERA, and the Over has been recorded in each of those games.
Conversely, Imanaga has shown an upward trend in his recent outings, posting a 1.62 ERA over his last three starts. The Pirates’ lineup is currently missing three everyday players and ranks 19th in runs scored and 20th in slugging percentage since the All-Star break.
Both bullpens have shown some shakiness. The Pirates’ relief corps has the 10th-highest ERA in MLB at 4.40, while the Cubs’ bullpen ERA stands at 4.04. Temperatures at first pitch are expected to be 80F, with minimal winds blowing out to center field, which could slightly favor batters.
The Cubs have a strong road record against Pittsburgh, with a 12-3 record in their last 15 road games against the Pirates. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM ET.
Source: bucsdugout.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.