7-11-2025 – By Drew Cagle – @_dcagle on X
In search of a win to snap their six-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their road trip into the Twin Cities for a three-game set with the Minnesota Twins.
Last time out, the Buccos took one on the chin from the Kansas City Royals. Despite keeping the final two games of the series within a run, it was KC who prevailed to complete the sweep.
With their recent run of offensive struggles, it’s even more clear that Pittsburgh is far away from contention. Minnesota, on the other hand, sits four games out of a A.L. wild card spot.
The Pirates turn to Paul Skenes on Friday night to serve as their stopper. After a red-hot homestand that saw them sweep the Mets and Cardinals, the club has lost that ground on this road trip.
7/11
Pirates: RHP Paul Skenes – 116.0 IP, 4-7, 125 K/30 BB, 1.94 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
Twins: RHP Joe Ryan – 104.1 IP, 8-4, 116 K/21 BB, 2.76 ERA, 0.89 WHIP
7/12
Pirates: RHP Mike Burrows – 39.2 IP, 1-2, 41 K/14 BB, 3.63 ERA, 1.31 WHIP
Twins: TBA
7/13
Pirates: LHP Andrew Heaney – 96.0 IP, 4-8, 73 K/32 BB, 4.41 ERA, 1.24 WHIP
Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson – 68.1 IP, 5-4, 59 K/27 BB, 4.08 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
Pirates: Outfielder Tommy Pham has turned a corner over the last several weeks, enough to where manager Don Kelly has entrusted him with hitting out of the leadoff spot. Dating back to June 22, the veteran is slashing .444/.480/.733, good for a remarkable 1.213 OPS. He’s given an low-scoring offense a spark, heating up with the weather.
Twins: Shortstop Carlos Correa has begun the month of July the right way. The 30-year-old sports a .276 batting average and .323 on-base percentage over those 8 games. On Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, he went 2-for-4 with an RBI double.
Pirates: Over the past road trip, Buccos catcher Joey Bart has found himself mired in a cold spell. He’s hitless in his last 10 at-bats, striking out six times. After a breakout 2024 season, his average has dropped to a meager .230. He’ll look to grab some momentum before the All-Star break hits.
Twins: Former No. 1 overall pick Royce Lewis hasn’t been the fastest out of the blocks. After coming back from a hamstring injury early in this season, he’s hitting just .227, a far cry from his career-best .309 in 2023.
Pirates: Justin Lawrence, Tim Mayza, Jovan Oviedo
Both Lawrence and Mayza have progressed their throwing programs, per MLB.com.
Twins: Luke Keaschall, Zebby Matthews, Bailey Ober
Ober is currently on the 15-day IL with hip inflammation.
Notes
- In last season’s meeting between the teams at PNC Park, the Pirates took two of three from the Twins. Both wins came via shutout.
- Minnesota owns a 17-10 lifetime record against Pittsburgh at home.
- On the season, the Twins sport a 26-19 home record, while the Pirates are a dismal 12-35 on the road.
- Friday night’s pitching matchup won’t be easy, with Joe Ryan opposing Paul Skenes. If the Pirates can take that series opener, they’ll be in prime position to win the series by splitting the final two games.
Subscribe to our site, it’s free and all you’ll get from us is a notification when there’s something new to read.
Steel City Pirates 