The Chicago Cubs welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for a 2:20 PM ET first pitch on Marquee Sports Network. Matthew Boyd gets the ball for Chicago against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler in a regular season contest that carries real weight this deep into September. With the calendar ticking toward October, every game at Clark and Addison matters, and the Cubs will need Boyd to deliver a quality start to take care of business at home.
Probable Pitchers: Matthew Boyd vs. Bubba Chandler
Boyd draws the Sunday assignment for the Cubs. A veteran left-hander who has seen plenty of big league action, Boyd's value lies in his ability to eat innings and keep the offense in the game. The Cubs need him to attack the zone and keep the Pittsburgh lineup off the bases early. If Boyd can work deep into the game, it preserves the bullpen for the stretch run — no small thing in September.
For Pittsburgh, Bubba Chandler gets the call. The young right-hander has been one of the more intriguing arms in the Pirates system as he works to establish himself at the major league level. Chandler has the stuff to keep hitters uncomfortable, and the Cubs' lineup will need to stay disciplined and work counts against him. Don't expect this to be an easy day at the plate.
Keys to Watch for the Chicago Cubs
- Boyd's command early: If Boyd falls behind in counts, the Pirates will make him work. He needs to get ahead of hitters and limit traffic on the bases in the early innings.
- Discipline against Chandler: Young starters can be vulnerable once a lineup works through them a second time. The Cubs' approach at the plate — working pitches and drawing walks — could be the difference.
- Capitalizing at Wrigley: Home crowd, afternoon sun, late September urgency — the Cubs need to feed off that energy and put up crooked numbers early rather than chasing the game.
- Bullpen management: September roster depth gives manager Craig Counsell options late in games. Matching up correctly in the seventh through ninth innings will be critical if this one stays close.
Prediction
This is a winnable game at home, and the Cubs should treat it accordingly. Boyd is experienced enough to give Chicago a chance to win, and facing a young starter in Chandler means the Cubs' lineup has a real opportunity to do damage — particularly as the game progresses. The Wrigley faithful will be loud on a September Sunday afternoon, and that environment tends to favor the home side. Cubs take this one, 5-3.
Catch the action on Marquee Sports Network on TV or tune in on 104.3 The Score on the radio. First pitch is set for 2:20 PM ET.
