The Chicago Cubs head to PNC Park on Sunday, July 26 for a 1:35 PM ET matinee against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Jameson Taillon getting the ball for Chicago opposite Pittsburgh's Braxton Ashcraft. It's a divisional afternoon game with NL Central positioning on the line — the kind of series-closing opportunity the Cubs can't afford to leave on the table. Coverage is available on Marquee Sports Network and radio on 104.3 The Score.

Cubs vs. Pirates Starting Pitchers: Taillon vs. Ashcraft

Taillon is the known quantity here. A veteran righty who's made stops in Pittsburgh, New York, and Chicago, he knows PNC Park as well as anyone in that Cubs rotation. His ability to work efficiently and generate soft contact is what the Cubs need on a Sunday afternoon when the bullpen may require a lighter load heading into the week. His command will be the number to watch — when Taillon is throwing strikes early in counts, he's a different pitcher than when he's falling behind hitters.

Ashcraft is a young arm still working to establish himself at the major league level. The Pirates have been patient with his development, and he carries the upside of a pitcher who can generate groundballs. But the Cubs lineup has the kind of quality contact hitters who can capitalize on any command lapses, and Sunday's matchup sets up as a favorable one for Chicago offensively.

Cubs Lineup Keys to Watch at PNC Park

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF, leadoff): PCA at the top sets the tone. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths puts immediate pressure on Ashcraft from pitch one.
• Seiya Suzuki (DH, No. 2): Suzuki hitting second gives Chicago a patient, dangerous bat early in the order. If PCA gets on, Ashcraft has to deal with Suzuki before he even faces the heart of the lineup.
• Michael Busch (1B, No. 3) and Ian Happ (LF, No. 4): This is where games get decided. Busch and Happ represent the kind of professional at-bats that wear down young pitchers. If Ashcraft can't navigate the 3-4 hole cleanly, this one could get away from Pittsburgh in a hurry.
• Nico Hoerner (2B, No. 5): Hoerner at five gives Chicago a line-drive hitter who makes contact and keeps the line moving. He's the type of bat who punishes pitchers who take a breath after getting through the cleanup spot.
• Dansby Swanson (SS, No. 9): Swanson hitting ninth is effectively a second leadoff spot. His presence at the bottom of the order means the Cubs never have a true soft landing for opposing pitchers turning the lineup over.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup Threats

The Pirates counter with Bryan Reynolds in the three hole as the clear focal point of their offense. Reynolds is a switch-hitter with legitimate pop and the ability to change a game with one swing. Taillon will know Reynolds well from their time together in Pittsburgh, and that familiarity cuts both ways. Brandon Lowe hitting second gives Pittsburgh a contact-first option to set the table, while Ryan O'Hearn and Nick Gonzales add depth in the middle of the order that the Cubs can't overlook.

Prediction: Cubs Win a Well-Pitched Game

This one sets up well for Chicago. Taillon is experienced, the lineup is deep, and Ashcraft is still developing. The Cubs have the lineup construction to put crooked numbers on the board early if Ashcraft struggles with command, and Taillon's familiarity with PNC Park is a real factor. Expect a competitive game that the Cubs take by a margin of two or three runs — the kind of professional road win that defines a club serious about where it wants to be in the standings.