The Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels will meet for the final game of their series at Angel Stadium on April 23, 2025, in what has become an increasingly intriguing interleague matchup between two clubs in very different places developmentally but with immediate stakes on the line. The Pirates enter the game with an 8–14 record, having struggled to find consistency on the road with a 2–8 away mark, but are fresh off a dominant 9–3 win in which they pounded out 18 hits and saw a vintage performance from Andrew McCutchen, who launched a three-run home run that helped set the tone. That outburst offered a glimpse of what Pittsburgh is capable of when its young hitters are patient and effective, pairing disciplined at-bats with timely power, which has been an elusive formula so far in 2025. Meanwhile, the Angels, sitting at 7–4, have gotten off to a strong start at home, going 2–1 at Angel Stadium and leaning on a rotation that has outperformed expectations and an offense that, while not overpowering, has been opportunistic in close games. Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz will take the mound for Los Angeles, looking to bounce back from a tough outing in his last appearance and stabilize the middle innings for a bullpen that has been solid but occasionally vulnerable. Kochanowicz’s ability to get ahead in counts will be key against a Pirates team that showed a willingness to jump on early fastballs and extend innings through aggressive base running and two-out hitting.

The Angels will counter with a lineup anchored by Taylor Ward, whose bat has been one of the more reliable sources of production this month, and they’ll need him and the supporting cast to get going early to avoid falling behind against a Pirates team that gains confidence quickly when it plays from in front. For Pittsburgh, Andrew Heaney will take the mound with a 1–1 record, aiming to provide the kind of start that preserves the bullpen and gives the lineup a chance to build a lead. Heaney has shown flashes of dominance when he’s commanding his breaking ball, and if he’s sharp, he can neutralize the righty-heavy core of the Angels’ offense. This game could easily hinge on which team strikes first and capitalizes on early scoring opportunities, especially with both rotations looking to avoid another bullpen-heavy outing. Defensively, both teams have been average, with moments of brilliance offset by occasional lapses, making clean execution even more important in what could be a high-contact, fast-paced affair. With both teams trying to find stability and rhythm heading into the final stretch of April, this matchup offers more than just a chance to win a series—it’s a tone-setting contest that could spark a run for either side, depending on which club better executes in the clutch and controls the flow from the first pitch. Given the Pirates’ offensive breakout in the previous game and the Angels’ need to protect their home-field advantage, fans can expect a highly competitive game filled with urgency, strategy, and a sense of early-season identity on the line for both ballclubs.