The Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Wrigley Field for a 2:20 PM ET first pitch. Clay Holmes takes the mound for Chicago against Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup in the middle of a regular season stretch run. With September baseball carrying real weight in the standings, every game at Clark and Addison matters — and this one features two arms worth watching closely.
Cubs vs. Pirates Pitching Matchup: Clay Holmes vs. Paul Skenes
Clay Holmes gets the ball for the Cubs. Holmes has been a key piece of Chicago's pitching staff, and Saturday's start gives him a chance to make a statement in what is a meaningful regular season contest. The Cubs will need Holmes to work deep into the game and keep the Pittsburgh lineup off the bases if Chicago wants to take this one.
On the other side, Paul Skenes makes the trip to Wrigley Field for Pittsburgh. Skenes is a name that commands attention whenever he pitches, and Cubs hitters will need to be sharp and disciplined at the plate to have success against him. Skenes generates plenty of swings and misses, so an approach built around patience and working counts figures to be essential for the Cubs offense.
Keys to Watch in Saturday's Cubs-Pirates Game
- Holmes's command: How Clay Holmes controls the strike zone will set the tone early. Limiting walks and getting ahead in counts against Pittsburgh's lineup is the first priority.
- Cracking Skenes: Paul Skenes does not give in easily. The Cubs will need to grind at-bats, work pitch counts, and look for opportunities to damage when they get pitches to hit. Patient, aggressive swings — not passive ones — are the formula.
- Bullpen management: September rosters are expanded, and both clubs have options in relief. How each manager navigates the middle and late innings could ultimately decide this game.
- Wrigley Field atmosphere: A Saturday afternoon game at Wrigley with September stakes on the line means the bleachers will be loud and the ivy will still be green. Home-field energy is a real factor for the Cubs on days like this.
Broadcast Information
Saturday's game can be seen locally on Marquee Sports Network and in Pittsburgh on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Radio listeners can catch the Cubs call on 104.3 The Score in Chicago. Spanish-language coverage is available on TUDN.
Prediction: Cubs vs. Pirates on September 12, 2026
This is a game that comes down to pitching, and both starters are capable of keeping it close through the middle innings. Holmes needs to match Skenes inning for inning early to give the Cubs offense time to find an opening. Skenes will be tough, but Wrigley Field on a Saturday afternoon with a crowd behind them has a way of lifting the Cubs. Expect a tight, low-scoring game. If Holmes is sharp and the Cubs can string together two or three runs at some point, Chicago finds a way to win. Cubs 3, Pirates 2.
