The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday looking to close out the series with a strong performance at PNC Park and build on what’s been a quietly solid July campaign. Despite being a young and evolving squad, the Pirates have exceeded expectations in spurts this season, largely thanks to the continued development of their core players and a surprisingly resilient pitching staff. Led by the electrifying Oneil Cruz and the consistent bat of Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh’s offense has taken a notable step forward, and the emergence of players like Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales has provided depth that wasn’t there a year ago. While their overall record remains under .500, the Pirates have proven to be tough at home, particularly in close games where their improved bullpen has made a difference. On the mound for the finale could be Paul Skenes or Bailey Falter, depending on how manager Derek Shelton aligns his rotation, but either option has delivered in recent appearances, with Skenes in particular drawing national attention for his electric velocity and composure beyond his years. The bullpen, anchored by closer David Bednar, has been a strength late in games, and their ability to limit damage and protect leads has helped Pittsburgh remain competitive, even when their bats go cold.

One of the Pirates’ keys to success in this matchup will be maintaining discipline at the plate against Arizona’s unpredictable pitching staff and generating pressure with aggressive base running—an area where they’ve quietly excelled this season. Defensively, Pittsburgh has been sound, with Cruz flashing his athleticism at short and Reynolds providing stability in the outfield, and that reliability could become pivotal in a low-scoring affair. While the Pirates aren’t yet in serious playoff contention, they have shown the kind of growth that can spoil seasons for teams like Arizona that are clinging to postseason hopes. Sunday’s game presents a golden opportunity not just to win the series but to assert that the Pirates are no longer a team to be overlooked, especially at home. With a young roster playing loose and with confidence, Pittsburgh has the advantage of low expectations and the freedom to play spoiler down the stretch, which can be dangerous for opponents in pressure-packed scenarios. If the Pirates can get an early lead and allow their bullpen to control the pace late, they have the formula to keep Arizona off balance and secure another impressive home win. As the franchise continues to turn the page on its long rebuild, victories like this—especially against a motivated team—can serve as strong statements about where the team is heading. Expect Pittsburgh to play with energy, rely on their athleticism, and use the confidence gained from their recent home stretch to push for a series-clinching win that sends a clear message to the rest of the league: the Pirates might be young, but they are no longer easy outs.