Pirates vs Phillies: Ashcraft and Nola rematch in Philadelphia
The Pittsburgh Pirates open a road series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, June 29 at Citizens Bank Park (6:40 p.m. ET), with Braxton Ashcraft (7-3, 3.07 ERA) facing Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.58 ERA). The pirates phillies rematch matters because Ashcraft is rolling while Nola struggled against Pittsburgh in May.
Pittsburgh travels to Philadelphia for the opener of an intra-state series that Yahoo Sports gamethread writers flagged as a tough test for both clubs. The pitching duel headlines a night when the Pirates look to stay competitive on the road and the Phillies lean on a familiar arm at home.
Key Takeaways
- First pitch is 6:40 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park, with Braxton Ashcraft opposing Aaron Nola.
- Ashcraft enters on back-to-back wins, including 10 strikeouts in six innings against Seattle on June 24.
- Nola is 3-4 with a 5.58 ERA in 2026 and gave up six earned runs in 3.2 innings when these pitchers last met on May 15.
- The May 15 game at PNC Park ended 11-9 in 10 innings despite Pittsburgh tagging Nola early.
- FanDuel lists betting markets for Pittsburgh Pirates @ Philadelphia Phillies on its sportsbook page.
Who is pitching for the Pirates and Phillies tonight?
The Pirates send right-hander Braxton Ashcraft to the mound. He is 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA and is chasing a third straight victory after wins in his last two starts, per Yahoo Sports.
Philadelphia counters with Aaron Nola, a 12-year franchise veteran who is 3-4 with a 5.58 ERA this season. Nola has not been part of a decision in June, but he worked five innings against Washington on June 24, allowing two earned runs in a 5-4 Phillies win.
How did Ashcraft and Nola fare in their May 15 meeting?
This is Ashcraft's second 2026 start against Philadelphia. On May 15 at PNC Park, he went 6.2 innings, gave up seven hits and four earned runs, and took a no-decision in a 10-inning, 11-9 Pirates loss.
Nola's line that night was rougher: 3.2 innings, six hits and six earned runs. Pittsburgh got to him early even though Philadelphia eventually rallied to win. That history adds stakes to Monday's rematch at Citizens Bank Park.
Why does this pirates phillies series opener matter?
Ashcraft's recent form stands out. On June 24 against Seattle, he allowed one earned run on five hits over six innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks in an 11-1 Pirates rout. Momentum on the mound can shift a short road series quickly.
For fans tracking wagering and line movement, sportsbook coverage of MLB matchups often moves in step with pitching form. Our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub rounds up market-moving news beyond the diamond, while FanDuel's game page hosts odds for this Pirates-Phillies matchup.
Where can you watch the Pirates-Phillies game?
Monday's game airs on KDKA AM/FM and Sportsnet Pittsburgh, according to Yahoo Sports. The gamethread noted published lineups for both teams ahead of first pitch.
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA. With Ashcraft riding a hot stretch and Nola seeking a cleaner rebound against Pittsburgh, the series opener sets the tone for a challenging week in the City of Brotherly Love.