Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, August 18, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates are back in action tonight as they take on the Detroit Tigers for the second contest in a three-game series.
The Pirates will hand the ball to All-Star Braxton Ashcraft, who is coming off arguably the best start of his career, on August 13. Ashcraft pitched his first career complete game, giving up just three hits and one earned run while striking out 10 in a 13-1 rout over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. The Pirates hope he can continue the dominance as they face off against the Tigers, who find themselves in the thick of a very tight AL Wild Card race.
The Tigers are tossing the ball to third-year pro Kader Montero, who is enjoying a breakout season. Montero is also coming off a strong performance in his last start on August 13 against the Cleveland Guardians. Montero pitched 6.1 innings, giving up three hits and no runs as the team won 3-0 at Comerica Park. Montero has already surpassed his career high for innings pitched in a season and is throwing the best stuff of his career. He has been crucial for the Tigers in their rotation after the Tarik Skubal trade, and the team will rely on him heavily to get the job done.
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Keider Montero (9-7, 3.22 ERA) vs. Braxton Ashcraft (12-5, 3.88 ERA)
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