Pirates

Pirates Preview: Braxton Ashcraft Kicks Off Bullpen Game vs. Brewers

Published

3 weeks ago

June 23, 2025

Danny Demilio

Photo provided by Matt Lynch

The Pirates salvaged their series against the Rangers with an 8-3 win on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park.

Six through eight hitters Spencer Horwitz, Ke’Bryan Hayes and Tommy Pham combined for eight hits, seven RBI and four runs in the win.

The Pirates (31-48) are back on the road for a quick three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers starting Monday night. It will be a bullpen game for the Pirates, who had to push Andrew Heaney back a day due to last Wednesday’s game in Detroit getting pushed back a day.

First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

American Family Field has a retractable roof, so weather won’t be an issue this series.

RHP Braxton Ashcraft (1-0, 1.54 ERA) Will Start For the Pirates

Ashcraft will make his first big-league start after seven relief appearances to begin his big-league career.

So far, the 25-year old has been effective. In 11.2 innings, Ashcraft has allowed just two runs on nine hits with 10 strikeouts.

The right-hander started 10 games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season prior to his promotion and went 3-3 with a 5.03 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.

This will be his first time facing the Brewers.

RHP Chad Patrick (3-7, 3.50 ERA) Will Start For the Brewers

Patrick’s first big-league season is off to a strong start, but he’s struggled over his past two starts.

The right-hander took the loss after allowing four urn in 5.0 innings against the Cubs on Tuesday after allowing five runs in 5.0 innings in another loss against the Braves on June 11.

Patrick’s 3.50 ERA is third among qualified rookies in the National League and his 76 strikeouts are second most among all rookie behind only Will Warren (96) of the Yankees.

This will be the Pirates’ first time seeing Patrick.

Brewers Hitters vs. Ashcraft

Pirates Hitters vs. Patrick

Tidbits

Tommy Pham had two doubles in Sunday’s win, giving him his first extra-base hit since a double against the Dodgers on Apr. 26.
Bryan Reynolds finished the game 3 for 4 with a walk. Entering play, he had one hit over his last 27 at-bats.
Bailey Falter has now won five-straight decisions, a streak that started on May 9 against the Braves.