Venue and first pitch:
loanDepot park, Miami, Florida.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.
Broadcast options include SportsNet PT, Marlins.TV, and streaming platforms such as Fubo.
This is the finale of a three-game series.
Weather forecast: Hot and humid typical South Florida conditions. Highs in the low-to-mid 90s°F (around 90–92°F), with heat indices potentially reaching 100–106°F. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers or isolated thunderstorms (30–50% chance, more likely later in the day). Light southeast winds around 5 mph. The roof at loanDepot park can mitigate weather impacts if needed, but outdoor conditions will be warm and sticky for a day game.
Probable starters:
- Pirates: RHP Braxton Ashcraft (11-5, 4.08 ERA, ≈1.16 WHIP, 145 K in ≈132 IP). The young right-hander has been a reliable starter with 10 quality starts; improved walk rate and higher K rate this season, though home runs allowed are elevated (19 in 23 starts). Pirates are 15-8 in his starts. No prior career appearances vs. Marlins noted. Recent second-half form has been rockier (higher ERA in limited sample).
- Marlins: RHP Tyler Phillips (3-5, 3.47 ERA, ≈1.36 WHIP, 70 K in ≈93 IP). Primarily a reliever earlier in his career, he has made 11 consecutive starts. Career ERA much better in relief than as a starter; recent stretch has been solid at times (home ERA noted as stronger in some reports). Marlins are 5-6 in his starts.
Current key roster notes / top performers:
Pirates feature Nick Gonzales (high AVG around .307), Brandon Lowe (power leader ≈25 HR and 74 RBI), Bryan Reynolds (solid OBP and extra-base hits), Jake Mangum, Spencer Horwitz (when healthy), and others. Strong team AVG (≈.255, among league leaders) and power (≈145 HR), with solid speed.
Marlins rely on Otto Lopez (high AVG ≈.314), Griffin Conine (recent multi-hit/HR form, reached base often in series), Heriberto Hernández (power), Xavier Edwards, Agustín Ramírez, and supporting speed (high SB totals). Competitive offense with strong home production. Marlins have one of the better home records (38-24). Team ERAs favor Miami slightly (≈3.91–3.93 vs. Pittsburgh’s ≈4.32–4.35).
Injury reports (latest available):
Pirates: Oneil Cruz (CF, 60-day IL, hand); Mitch Keller (SP, 60-day IL, arm); Ryan O’Hearn (10-day IL, quadriceps); Konnor Griffin (60-day IL, finger); Endy Rodríguez (C, day-to-day, hip—missed recent lineup). Additional notes on others like Evan Sisk or Spencer Horwitz in some reports.
Marlins: Kyle Stowers (10-day IL, hamstring); Max Meyer (15-day IL, neck); William Kempner and Anthony Bender (15-day IL, elbow/shin); 60-day IL includes Adam Mazur, Andrew Nardi, Robby Snelling, Ronny Henriquez (mostly elbows/ribs).
Key player vs. player / matchup notes:
Ashcraft’s elevated HR rate could be tested by Marlins power threats like Conine and Hernández (who homered in the prior game). Phillips’ control and home effectiveness will face a Pirates lineup heavy on contact (Gonzales) and power (Lowe, Reynolds). Series so far has featured Marlins offensive outbursts (including an 8-2 win on Aug. 12 with multi-homer support and strong starting pitching) and Pittsburgh’s struggles (1-7 since the trade deadline). Speed elements (Marlins high SB rate) vs. Pirates defense and Ashcraft’s ability to limit free bases will matter. Limited direct prior head-to-head data for the starters.
Recent team forms:
Pirates: Poor recent stretch (2-8 last 10; 1-7 since trade deadline; three-game losing streak entering the finale, including shutout and lopsided losses in this series). Offense has been inconsistent.
Marlins: Hot at home and overall (6-4 last 10; four-game winning streak; strong 38-24 home mark, best stretch in years). Offense rolling with timely power and the rotation/bullpen contributing. Contending for an NL wild-card spot (trailing by about 1.5 games in some reports).
Series history: Marlins lead the 2026 season series (approximately 4-1 or better after taking the first two of this set). Miami has dominated the current series with strong pitching and power. Historical interleague/NL matchups vary, but recent form heavily favors the home team.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Pirates – 119
Miami Marlins 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026
