Pirates Preview: Bucs up Against a Future Hall of Famer

Danny Demilio |

Jul 29, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates squeaked out a 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night for their sixth win in their last seven games.

Andrew McCutchen hit the go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth, and David Bednar held on in the ninth for his 17th save in as many chances.

The Pirates (45-62) will look to notch a series win against the Giants (54-53) and Justin Verlander at Oracle Park on Tuesday night.

First pitch is set for 9:45 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 60s. Winds W at 14-17 mph.

LHP Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.82 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

Falter dazzled in his last start against the Detroit Tigers and got the win after allowing just one run through seven innings.

It was a much-needed bounce-back effort for Falter, who had a 5.60 ERA in eight starts since the start of June.

This will be the first time Falter faces a National League opponent since June 28 (New York Mets). Each of his four starts this month have come against American League teams. The left-hander has a 2.49 ERA against the NL this season and a 6.13 ERA against the AL.

This will be Falter’s first start against San Francisco but he has faced them twice out of the bullpen. He enters Tuesday’s game with a 1.23 ERA against them.

RHP Justin Verlander (1-8, 4.70 ERA) Will Start for the Giants

Verlander earned his first win of the season in his last start after blanking the Atlanta Braves across five innings.

Through his first three starts in July prior to facing Atlanta, Verlander was 0-3 with a 9.26 ERA.

As a team, the Giants are just 5-12 when Verlander is on the mound this season and are 3-11 over his last 14 starts dating back to April 15.

In eight career starts against the Pirates, Verlander is 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA.

Giants Hitters vs. Falter

Willy Adames: 3 for 9, one double, two strikeouts
Andrew Knizner: 1 for 5, one home run, one RBI, one strikeout
Casey Schmitt: 2 for 3, one double
Rafael Devers: 1 for 3, one double, two RBI

Pirates Hitters vs. Verlander

Andrew McCutchen: 3 for 24, two doubles, two RBI, four walks, six strikeouts
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 4 for 17, one home run, one RBI, five strikeouts
Tommy Pham: 4 for 7, two doubles, one walk

Tidbits

Andrew McCutchen became the 11th player in MLB history to hit 10-plus home runs in each of his first 10 seasons.
Mitch Keller lasted only two innings in Monday’s start. It was his shortest outing since Aug, 16, 2022 (vs. Boston Red Sox) when he was removed from the game with right shoulder fatigue.
Nick Gonzales also homered for the Pirates. It was his first long ball since July 8 against the Kansas City Royals.