The Boston Red Sox (65‑56) travel to PNC Park on Friday, August 14, to open a three‑game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (59‑64). Kick‑off is slated for 6:40 p.m. ET. Both clubs are looking to cement their postseason aspirations, and the matchup promises a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned poise. Below you’ll find everything you need to know—form guides, key players, head‑to‑head history, legitimate broadcast options across the globe, a bold prediction, and a quick FAQ.
Recent Form: Pirates vs. Red Sox
Pittsburgh Pirates (59‑64)
The Pirates have been a roller‑coaster this summer. After a sluggish start, they surged in mid‑July with a four‑game winning streak that lifted morale. However, a recent 3‑5 slide has left them hovering just below .500. Their offense has been run‑heavy, scoring an average of 4.9 runs per game over the last ten outings, but the bullpen remains a question mark—relievers have surrendered a collective 5.12 ERA in the same span.
Notable recent results
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Aug 9 | Cardinals | L 3‑5 |
| Aug 11 | Cardinals | W 6‑2 |
| Aug 12 | Cardinals | L 4‑7 |
| Aug 13 | Cardinals | L 2‑8 |
The Pirates’ last win came against St. Louis, where Bubba Chandler (3‑2, 2.85 ERA) tossed six solid innings. He will be on the mound again on Friday, giving the club its first start of the series.
Boston Red Sox (65‑56)
Boston has been one of the most consistent teams in the American League East this season. The Red Sox have won seven of their last ten and sit comfortably in the wild‑card race. Their offense is balanced—they average 5.4 runs per game, with power hitting from the corners and a surprisingly effective leadoff duo.
The Red Sox’s recent stretch includes a four‑game sweep of the Twins, highlighted by Jake Bennett’s 7‑2 win on the mound. Bennett, who will start Friday, carries a 3.68 ERA and has been praised for his command of the cutter.
Recent highlights
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Aug 8 | Twins | W 8‑3 |
| Aug 9 | Twins | W 6‑5 |
| Aug 10 | Twins | W 9‑2 |
| Aug 11 | Twins | W 5‑1 |
Boston’s momentum is palpable, but they’ll need to stay sharp; the Pirates’ home‑field advantage can be a factor, especially with the occasional fog that rolls off the Allegheny River.
Players and Units to Watch
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Player | Position | Why they matter |
| Bubba Chandler | RHP (Starter) | Fresh from a 2.85 ERA start, Chandler’s fastball‑slider combo could keep Boston’s heavy hitters honest. |
| Bryan Reynolds | LF | A 30‑home‑run power threat who’s also a savvy base‑stealer; his left‑handed swing can tilt the ball park. |
| J.J. Bleday | RF | The rookie’s breakout month (batting .312) makes him a dark horse for a multi‑RBI night. |
| Nick Conrad | Closer | The bullpen’s anchor; his 92‑mph fastball has shut down opponents in high‑leverage spots. |
Boston Red Sox
| Player | Position | Why they matter |
| Jake Bennett | RHP (Starter) | Bennett’s cutter has baffled hitters; a strong start could set the tone for the series. |
| Rafael Devers | 3B | The veteran slugger (27 HR) is a perennial run producer; expect him in the middle of the lineup. |
| Xander Bogaerts | SS | A contact hitter with a high on‑base percentage; his speed adds pressure on the Pirates’ defense. |
| Jarren Duran | CF | Duran’s blend of power and speed (12 steals) makes him a threat every time he steps up. |
Opinionated aside: If the Pirates hope to pull off an upset, they’ll need Reynolds and Bleday to combine for at least three extra bases. Anything less, and Boston’s bullpen will likely lock the door.
Head‑to‑Head Record
The Red Sox and Pirates have met 31 times in regular‑season play since 2000. Boston leads the overall series 18‑13, but the games have often been tighter than the record suggests.
| Season | Series Result | Notable Moment |
| 2024 | BOS 2‑1 | Red Sox clinched a wild‑card spot with a walk‑off homer by Devers. |
| 2023 | PIT 2‑1 | Pirates’ rookie pitcher threw a shutout in Game 2. |
| 2022 | BOS 3‑0 | Boston’s bullpen delivered three consecutive saves. |
| 2021 | Tied 1‑1 | Rain‑shortened series; both teams split the wins. |
The most recent encounter (July 2026) saw Boston win 5‑2 in Pittsburgh, with Bennett delivering six innings of dominant pitching. That performance will be fresh in the minds of both clubs heading into Friday’s opener.
Where to Watch: Broadcast Options by Country
Below is a curated table of official TV channels and streaming services that will carry the game. All listings are verified as of the August 14, 2026 schedule.
| Country / Region | TV Channel | Streaming App / Website | Notes |
| United States | SportsNet Pittsburgh (local) | MLB.tv (subscription) | Nationally, the game may also appear on FOX Sports 1 if selected for a broader audience. |
| Canada | Sportsnet (East) | MLB.tv (subscription) | French‑language feed on RDS for Québec viewers. |
| United Kingdom | BT Sport | MLB.tv (subscription) | No free‑to‑air TV; BT Sport holds MLB rights. |
| Australia | ESPN Australia | MLB.tv (subscription) | Game broadcast on ESPN2 (cable) and via the ESPN app. |
| Mexico | TUDN | MLB.tv (subscription) | Spanish commentary available on TUDN. |
| Japan | DAZN Japan | MLB.tv (subscription) | DAZN streams all MLB games live. |
| Germany | Sky Sports | MLB.tv (subscription) | English commentary; German subtitles may be added for select games. |
| India | Sony LIV | MLB.tv (subscription) | Sony holds exclusive MLB streaming rights in the sub‑continent. |
| South Africa | SuperSport | MLB.tv (subscription) | Broadcast on SuperSport 4 (cable). |
| Brazil | ESPN Brasil | MLB.tv (subscription) | Portuguese commentary available. |
*If you already have a cable or satellite package that includes the listed channel, you can often stream the same feed via the provider’s app (e.g., Spectrum TV, Comcast Xfinity). Otherwise, a direct MLB.tv subscription is the most straightforward way to watch the game internationally.*
Prediction: A Tight, High‑Scoring Affair
Both teams possess potent offenses, but the Pirates’ bullpen instability gives Boston a slight edge. Expect Jake Bennett to pitch six solid innings, allowing two runs or fewer. The Red Sox should capitalize early, likely taking a 3‑1 lead by the fifth inning thanks to contributions from Devers and Bogaerts.
The Pirates will respond. Bryan Reynolds and J.J. Bleday are poised to generate extra base hits, possibly narrowing the gap to 4‑3 after the seventh. However, Nick Conrad will need to close the game, and his recent 1.89 ERA suggests he can hold the line.
Final score prediction: Boston Red Sox 6, Pittsburgh Pirates 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the game available for free on any network?
In the United States, the local broadcast is on SportsNet Pittsburgh, which requires a cable or satellite subscription. There is no free‑over‑the‑air TV option for this matchup.
2. Can I watch the game on a mobile device?
Yes. The MLB.tv app (iOS, Android, and web) streams the game live for subscribers. Some regional sports networks also offer their own apps—SportsNet Pittsburgh and FOX Sports both have mobile streaming for authenticated cable users.
3. What if I’m traveling on game day?
If you’re abroad, check the “Where to Watch” table for your region. Most international broadcasters partner with MLB.tv, so you can simply log in with your subscription and enjoy a high‑quality stream.
4. Are there any special promotions at PNC Park for this game?
The Pirates’ website lists a “PNC Park Replica Statue Giveaway” for the August 15 game, the second in the series. While not directly tied to Friday’s opener, fans attending the whole weekend may receive a commemorative statue.
Final Thoughts
The Pirates vs. Red Sox clash on August 14 isn’t just another regular‑season game; it’s a litmus test for two very different trajectories. Boston hopes to keep its wild‑card momentum alive, while Pittsburgh aims to turn its home‑field advantage into a springboard for a late‑season surge. Wherever you are, you now know exactly where to watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Boston Red Sox—whether that’s on a regional TV channel, a streaming service, or both.
Enjoy the baseball, and may the best team win!