Giants seek to extend Devers' hitting streak against Pirates in afternoon contest
San Francisco's Rafael Devers carries a 10-game hitting streak into Thursday's game at PNC Park against Pittsburgh. The Pirates start Lake Bachar, while the Giants counter with Blade Tidwell. The matchup airs on SportsNet PT and NBCS-BA, with streaming available on Fubo.
The pitching matchup features two starters with limited major-league experience this season. Bachar carries a 3.70 ERA into his start for Pittsburgh, while Tidwell holds a 4.54 ERA for San Francisco. Both teams sit in fourth place in their respective divisions, with the Pirates holding a 68-72 record compared to the Giants' 58-82 mark.
San Francisco's injury report is extensive, listing more than a dozen players on the 60-day injured list, including Matt Chapman and Harrison Bader. Pittsburgh's list is shorter, with Mitch Keller among those sidelined. Devers' 10-game hitting streak is the headline storyline, as he ranks eighth in MLB with 32 home runs and 11th with 83 RBIs.
This late-season contest between two non-contending clubs could primarily affect local fan engagement and player development evaluations. With both teams out of playoff contention, the game may serve as an opportunity for younger players to gain experience and for the organizations to assess their rosters heading into the offseason. Devers' hitting streak could draw casual viewers interested in a personal achievement narrative, potentially boosting regional television ratings and streaming interest for what might otherwise be a low-stakes September game.