The Atlanta Braves make the trip to Pittsburgh for a Thursday afternoon matchup at PNC Park, with first pitch set for 12:35 PM ET on July 9. Bryce Elder gets the ball for Atlanta against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller in what shapes up as a pitching-driven contest. With the second half of the season just around the corner, every game carries real weight for a Braves club looking to sharpen its edge heading into the stretch run.

Braves at Pirates: Probable Pitchers for July 9, 2026

Bryce Elder draws the start for Atlanta. The right-hander has shown the ability to work deep into games and generate ground-ball contact, and he will need to do exactly that against a Pittsburgh lineup that has legitimate threats throughout the order. Elder's command and pitch sequencing will be the defining factor in how long he stays in this one.

On the other side, Mitch Keller presents a genuine challenge. The Pirates' ace-caliber arm has been one of Pittsburgh's most reliable starters, and he is the kind of pitcher who can keep Atlanta's lineup off-balance with a well-located fastball and a sharp breaking ball. The Braves will need patience and discipline at the plate to get to him early.

Atlanta Braves Starting Lineup at PNC Park

• Michael Harris II — CF
• Ozzie Albies — 2B
• Matt Olson — 1B
• Drake Baldwin — C
• Mauricio Dubón — LF
• Dominic Smith — DH
• Austin Riley — 3B
• Mike Yastrzemski — RF
• Jim Jarvis — SS

Keys to Watch for Atlanta

Can the Braves Generate Early Offense Against Keller?

Keller is at his best when he gets ahead in counts and works his changeup against opposite-handed hitters. Michael Harris II leading off gives Atlanta a dynamic, athletic presence at the top of the order, and Ozzie Albies batting second keeps the pressure on early. Matt Olson hitting third remains the middle-of-the-order anchor the Braves depend on. If Atlanta can put together a crooked number in the first three innings, Keller becomes far more manageable.

Austin Riley's Role in the Lineup

Riley sliding to the seven-hole is worth noting. Wherever he hits, Riley is a legitimate power threat who can change a game with one swing. A bounce-back performance from him this afternoon would go a long way toward generating some run-support cushion for Elder.

Drake Baldwin Batting Cleanup

Baldwin batting fourth is an interesting wrinkle. The catcher has been trusted with a premium lineup spot, and how he handles Keller's arsenal will be one of the more closely watched at-bats of the afternoon.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• Jake Mangum — CF
• Brandon Lowe — 2B
• Bryan Reynolds — LF
• Esmerlyn Valdez — RF
• Ryan O'Hearn — DH
• Nick Gonzales — 3B
• Tyler Callihan — 1B
• Rafael Flores Jr. — C
• Jared Triolo — SS

Prediction

This is a low-scoring game waiting to happen. Both Elder and Keller have the stuff to keep lineups quiet deep into a contest. Bryan Reynolds in the three-hole is the Pirates' most dangerous bat, and Elder cannot let him beat him with runners on base. Atlanta has enough lineup depth to scratch out two or three runs, which may be all they need if Elder can deliver six solid innings. Braves win a tight one, 3-2.

Coverage begins at 12:35 PM ET on BravesVision. Spanish-language coverage is available on Los Bravos.