The Dodgers are set to host the Pirates at UNIQLO Field on Saturday, August 22, 2026, with a 4:15 p.m. PT tip‑off. Both clubs are navigating very different trajectories this season, and the interleague clash promises more than just a midsummer diversion—it could be a litmus test for the Dodgers’ postseason ambitions and a chance for the Pirates to prove they belong in the conversation. Below you’ll find everything you need to know: a deep dive into recent form, the players you must keep an eye on, the historic head‑to‑head record, legitimate broadcast options worldwide, a prediction, and a quick FAQ.
Event Preview
Los Angeles enters the matchup with a 78‑51 record, comfortably perched atop the National League West. The Dodgers’ offense has been humming, while their rotation, anchored by Tarik Skubal, looks ready to dominate. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh sits near the bottom of the NL Central, but a recent surge—sparked by Rafael Flores’ two‑homer night against the Tigers—has injected a sliver of optimism into a franchise that’s still searching for consistency.
The game will be the first interleague meeting of the season for both clubs. For the Dodgers, it’s a chance to showcase their depth against a team that, on paper, lacks the firepower of a typical NL West rival. For the Pirates, it’s a test of whether their recent offensive flashes can translate into a win in a hostile Los Angeles environment.
Recent Form
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Overall Record: 78‑51 (NL West leaders)
- Last 5 Games: W W L W W (4‑1)
- Run Production: Averaging 5.8 runs per game over the past month, with a 1.12 OPS from the top six hitters.
- Starting Pitching: Skubal (5‑2, 2.84 ERA) will take the mound. He’s been dominant in the last three outings, striking out an average of 9.2 batters per nine innings.
The Dodgers have ridden a wave of consistency. After a brief stumble in early August, they’ve posted a three‑game winning streak, highlighted by a 7‑2 victory over the Cardinals in which Mookie Betts stole three bases and drove in two runs. Their bullpen, anchored by Kenley Jansen, has turned in a sub‑2.00 ERA over the last ten appearances.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Overall Record: 62‑67 (NL Central, 5th place)
- Last 5 Games: L W L L W (2‑3)
- Run Production: 4.2 runs per game over the last six outings, a modest uptick after a prolonged slump.
- Starting Pitching: Javien Harper (4‑5, 4.10 ERA) is slated to start. He’s been solid in the middle of the rotation, limiting opponents to a .240 batting average.
The Pirates have been a mixed bag. After a dismal stretch that left them 10 games under .500, a 4‑3 win over the Tigers—powered by Flores’ two homers—sparked a three‑game winning streak. However, the offense still struggles to string together runs against elite pitching, and the bullpen’s ERA sits at 4.75, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Key Players & Teams to Watch
| Dodgers | Pirates |
| Mookie Betts – 30+ HR season, elite defender in center field. | Rafael Flores – Fresh off a two‑homer game, his power is finally clicking. |
| Freddie Freeman – Consistent .320 average, clutch RBI producer. | Andrew McCutchen – Veteran presence, still a threat with speed and situational hitting. |
| Tarik Skubal – Starting pitcher, high strikeout rate, low walk percentage. | Javien Harper – Ground‑ball specialist, can keep the game close with efficient pitch counts. |
| Kenley Jansen – Closer, 0.98 ERA in the last 15 saves. | Kris Bryant – Reliever who’s been a surprise strikeout artist out of the bullpen. |
Team trends: The Dodgers’ depth will be evident in the middle order, where Betts, Freeman, and Will Smith rotate the cleanup spots. The Pirates will likely lean on Flores and McCutchen to generate offense early, hoping to pressure Skubal before he settles in.
Head‑to‑Head Record
Interleague play between the Dodgers and Pirates has historically favored Los Angeles. Over the last 15 meetings (2012‑2025), the Dodgers hold a 12‑3 edge. Notable games include:
- 2024, July 12: Dodgers 9‑4 – Mookie Betts’ three‑run homer in the 7th sealed the win.
- 2021, August 5: Pirates 5‑3 – A rare Pirates victory thanks to a walk‑off single by J.J. Bellinger (then with Pittsburgh).
While the historical advantage is clear, the Pirates have managed a few upset wins, most recently in 2022 when they scored a 6‑5 victory on a walk‑off double by Nick Pivetta. That said, the odds still heavily favor the Dodgers, especially given their current form.
Where to Watch – Legitimate Broadcast Options
Below is a curated table of official TV channels and streaming services that will carry the game in major markets. All platforms are fully licensed; there are no illegal or pirated links.
| Country | TV Channel | Official Streaming Apps/Websites |
| United States | Fox Sports 1 (FS1) – national broadcast | • Fox Sports App (free with cable login) <br>• MLB.TV (Live Game Pass) <br>• YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (FS1 package) |
| Canada | Sportsnet (English) | • Sportsnet Now (subscription) <br>• MLB.TV (U.S. feed, geo‑unblocked for Canadian subscribers) |
| United Kingdom | BT Sport (MLB coverage) | • BT Sport App (requires subscription) <br>• MLB.TV (International) |
| Australia | ESPN Australia | • ESPN App (via Foxtel) <br>• MLB.TV (International) |
| Mexico | TUDN (Spanish) | • TUDN App (free with cable) <br>• MLB.TV (International) |
| Japan | DAZN Japan (MLB package) | • DAZN App (subscription) |
| Germany | Sky Sports (MLB) | • Sky Go (subscription) <br>• MLB.TV (International) |
*Note:* Streaming availability may require a subscription or a TV provider login. Check each service’s regional restrictions before the game.
Prediction
All signs point to a Dodgers victory, but the margin could be tighter than the odds suggest. Skubal’s command paired with a deep bullpen should keep the Pirates off balance, while Los Angeles’ lineup is capable of producing multi‑run innings at any moment. Expect the Dodgers to win 5‑2, with Betts driving in two runs and Skubal striking out eight.
That said, the Pirates have a chance to keep it close if Flores continues his power surge and the bullpen can hold the Dodgers to a modest total. A high‑scoring affair isn’t out of the question, especially if the wind at UNIQLO Field picks up—something the Dodgers have historically struggled with in late‑summer games.
FAQ
Q: What time does the game start in my time zone?
A: The tip‑off is at 4:15 p.m. PT. That translates to 7:15 p.m. ET, 12:15 a.m. BST (next day), and 9:15 a.m. JST (next day).
Q: Can I watch the game for free?
A: If you already have a cable subscription that includes Fox Sports 1, you can stream via the Fox Sports app at no extra charge. Otherwise, a free trial on services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV may give you temporary access.
Q: Will the game be available on MLB.TV for replay?
A: Yes. MLB.TV offers a full‑length replay for on‑demand viewing, but note that blackout restrictions apply for U.S. viewers who have access through a local or national broadcast partner.
Q: Are there any notable promotions or giveaways for this game?
A: The Dodgers typically run a “Dodger‑Day” promotion on weekend home games, featuring discounted merchandise and a chance to win a stadium tour. Check the official Dodgers website closer to the date for specifics.
The Dodgers are a well‑oiled machine this season, but baseball is a game of moments. If the Pirates can string together a few timely hits, they might just make the night memorable for Los Angeles fans who love an underdog story.