Rays Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Pirates

Tampa Bay looks to stay hot on the road against Pittsburgh in Saturday matchup.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between two teams, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between the surging Rays and the upstart Pirates.Today in Pittsburgh

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-7) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) at PNC Park on Saturday. The Rays are favored at -152 on the moneyline, while the Pirates are +126 underdogs. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen is set to face off against Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes on the mound.

Why it matters

The Rays have been one of the hottest teams in baseball to start the season, sitting just a half-game back of the division-leading Orioles in the AL East. A win over the Pirates would extend their winning streak and keep them in the thick of the playoff race. For Pittsburgh, a home victory over a tough Tampa Bay squad would be a big boost for their own postseason aspirations in the NL Central.

The details

Tampa Bay has been paced by a balanced offensive attack, ranking 9th in MLB in runs scored per game at 5.1. The Rays' pitching staff has been more middle-of-the-pack, sitting 22nd in team ERA at 4.38. Pittsburgh's offense has been solid, hitting .252 as a team, while the pitching has been a strength with a 3.28 team ERA (7th in MLB). Rays starter Drew Rasmussen has been excellent, going 31-17 in his career with a 2.83 ERA. Pirates rookie Paul Skenes has also impressed, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.949 WHIP in his young MLB career.

  • The game is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • First pitch is set for 7:05 PM local time in Pittsburgh.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

The Rays' starting pitcher has a 31-17 career record with a 2.83 ERA.

Paul Skenes

The Pirates' rookie starter has impressed with a 2.08 ERA and 0.949 WHIP in his young MLB career.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are one of the hottest teams in baseball to start the 2026 season, sitting just a half-game back of the division-leading Orioles in the AL East.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are looking to pick up a big home win against a tough Tampa Bay squad as they aim to stay in the NL Central playoff race.

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What they’re saying

“We know the Rays are a tough opponent, but we're ready to give them everything we've got at home. Our fans are going to be fired up for this one.”

— Ben Cherington, Pirates General Manager

What’s next

The winner of this game will have the opportunity to gain ground in their respective division race, with the Rays chasing the Orioles in the AL East and the Pirates battling the Cardinals and Brewers in the NL Central.

The takeaway

This matchup features two of the early season's surprise contenders, with the Rays and Pirates both exceeding preseason expectations. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff picture as we approach the midpoint of the 2026 campaign.