Pirates Face Athletics in Crucial Showdown with Keller and Perkins on the Mound

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 11: Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park on June 11, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to take on the Oakland Athletics tonight in the second game of a three-match series, kicking off at 9:40 p.m. ET. The A's will be sending out Jackson Perkins, who is making just his third start of the season after spending the earlier part of the year in relief.

Perkins debuted as a starter on June 5 against the Houston Astros, where he pitched four innings but allowed five runs. He followed that performance with another four-inning outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 10, giving up three runs. While his transition to starting has had its challenges, the improvement from his first outing to the second suggests he might be finding his rhythm as he faces the Pirates.

On the other side, the Pirates will rely on Mitch Keller, who is eager to secure his first victory since May 24. Keller has struggled recently, going 0-2 in his June appearances and failing to complete five innings in his last three starts. Despite his recent difficulties, tonight’s game against the Athletics could present a valuable opportunity for him to turn things around.

Both teams are currently fighting for a chance at the wild card, making this matchup a potentially significant one in the context of the season.

Location: Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Mitch Keller (5-4, 5.14 ERA) vs. Jack Perkins (2-3, 6.25 ERA)

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