​The Brewers-Pirates game was postponed before first pitch on Friday due to weather. Here’s what could keep the game from starting on time and the latest projection for first pitch. The latest weather update from the Pirates at 5:52 p.m. local time noted a 10-minute delay, with an estimated start time set for 6:50 p.m. Tonight’s area flood watch stretches from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, meaning the entire original 6:40 p.m. first pitch window falls within the warning period. Thunderstorms are expected to be likely through the night, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation during the day easing to about 60 percent after dark. That makes the Pirates’ 10-minute delay seem optimistic in retrospect. Rainfall is expected to total roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch, though heavier pockets may occur if storms stall directly over PNC Park. Temperatures should be in the upper 70s at first pitch, with only light, southwesterly winds aiding the storms’ passage through the region. Given this setup, a delayed start appears most probable since the early-evening first pitch sits squarely in the storm window. A full postponement remains on the table if the heaviest activity parks itself over the ballpark rather than moving through the valley.
Milwaukee Brewers
Record: 59-34
Starting pitcher: Brandon Sproat (RHP) 3-4, 5.13 ERA
Lineup highlights:
– Christian Yelich, DH, .242/.381/.212
– Garrett Mitchell, CF, .274/.459/.093
– Brice Turang, 2B, .269/.462/.424
– William Contreras, C, .281/.396/.565
– Jake Bauers, 1B, .268/.505/.568
– Luis Lara, LF, .250/.250/.250
– Cooper Pratt, SS, .258/.318/.888
– Sal Frelick, RF, .240/.326/.969
– Joey Ortiz, 3B, .223/.302/.223
Sproat’s night in Milwaukee hasn’t been easy. The right-hander enters with a 3-4 record, and a 5.13 ERA alongside a bloated 1.37 WHIP. He has yielded 14 home runs over 79 innings, and his command issues have been evident. The plan to keep him on a strict leash with a weather-affected start could force the Brewers to lean more heavily on their bullpen, which has been a bright spot for a division-leading club this season. If the delay shortens his window or pushes him later into a damp night, the Milwaukee bullpen will face extra stress to cover more innings.
Braxton Ashcraft represents a contrasting storyline for the Pirates. The Pittsburgh right-hander is 9-3 with a 3.24 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts in 108.1 innings. Those numbers place him in the discussion for his first All-Star selection, underscoring his reliability this month. Any rain interruption threatens to disrupt his rhythm, potentially forcing him to cut short a dominant stretch. A postponed or interrupted evening would likely push Pittsburgh to lean earlier on relievers, many of whom have already contributed crucial innings after bullpen reinforcements were made to strengthen a taxed relief corps.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 47-47
Starting pitcher: Braxton Ashcraft (RHP) 9-3, 3.24 ERA
Lineup highlights:
– Jake Mangum, CF, .311/.383/.232
– Brandon Lowe, 2B, .243/.490/.303
– Bryan Reynolds, DH, .281/.477/.474
– Esmeryln Valdez, RF, .293/.634/.545
– Ryan O’Hearn, 1B, .289/.490/.606
– Nick Gonzales, 3B, 0.0 average with notable potential
Bottom line: a weather-influenced start looms large for both teams. The forecast suggests that the window for a timely opening could close as storms approach, and while a brief delay is possible, a full postponement remains on the table if heavy activity lingers over PNC Park. Both managers may need to adapt quickly, leaning on bullpen depth and short-rotation plans to navigate the disrupted schedule. The situation remains fluid, with the next updates likely to determine whether a 6:50 p.m. start holds or a postponement pushes the game to a later date.