Pittsburgh Pirates (44-44, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Washington Nationals (45-43, fourth in the NL East) Washington; Friday, 6:45 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Pirates: Mitch Keller (6-5, 4.87 ERA,

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy has drawn the ire of opposing broadcasters this season. It’s not unusual for teams to get on each other’s nerves during a mid-summer series. But a broadcaster-pitching coach beef is something new.

Ever since Paul Skenes made his MLB debut back during the 2024 season, he’s been one of, if not the best, pitchers in the sport. However, the 2026 version of Skenes isn’t necessarily the one the Pittsburgh Pirates envisioned when they made a push over the offseason to build a playoff roster centered on their superstar pitcher.

Despite their overall offensive production, the Pirates have experienced issues this season hitting with runners in scoring position. In the finale of a four-game series in Philadelphia on Thursday, they turned to magic for help.

Cristopher Sánchez returned to form after a couple of shaky outings, allowing only three hits in seven innings as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0.

The Pittsburgh Pirates starter had the worst outing of his career.

It's Paul Skenes vs. Zack Wheeler in the MLB pitching matchup of the night Wednesday

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Trea Turner hit a three-run home run during a five-run second inning, Bryce Harper’s misjudged double scored two runs in the fourth, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat struggling Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes and the Pirates 10-6 on Wednesday night.

The Pirates are one of the more surprising teams of the 2026 MLB season, as they've gone from one of the worst teams in the league to one that has a legitimate chance of making the postseason. But, as they are right now,