Brewers vs. Pirates: How to Watch Tonight’s Game for Free

The Milwaukee Brewers (86–54) visit PNC Park tonight to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (64–77) in what should be an easy matchup for the MLB’s best team.

“Should” is the operative word here. The Pirates, despite holding the worst record in the NL Central, just swept the Los Angeles Dodgers, taking a 9–7 slugfest on Tuesday before grinding out back-to-back pitchers’ duels on Wednesday and Thursday. They’ve now won seven of their last 10, powered by a rotation that’s finally coming together.

It starts with Paul Skenes, who strengthened his Cy Young case Thursday by tossing six innings of two-hit shutout baseball, lowering his ERA to 1.98.

The bullpen also played a starring role in the sweep, with rookie Braxton Ashcraft opening Wednesday’s game with three scoreless innings to anchor a combined shutout.

Tonight, another key arm takes the mound. Johan Oviedo makes his fifth start since returning from Tommy John surgery, and the results have been promising as he builds up his workload.

He’s 2–0 with a 3.60 ERA in four outings, most recently holding the Boston Red Sox to two runs and three hits over five innings.

Opponents are batting just .189 against him, and his fastball velocity has climbed from 94.8 mph in his first start back to 95.8 in his most recent. The slider, though, has lost some bite: hitters are batting .269 against it compared to .210 last season, and both homers surrendered this year came off sliders.

The Brewers send Quinn Priester to the mound against his former team. Priester has been one of Milwaukee’s steadiest arms, going 11–2 with a 3.28 ERA. He’s given the Brewers quality innings almost every turn, usually slipping up only once every six or so starts — hence the gaudy win–loss record. Against Pittsburgh earlier this season, he allowed just one run across six innings.

Predictions

Both starters are capable of strong outings, but Milwaukee holds the edge with its deeper bullpen (3.83 ERA vs. 4.11 ERA) and more productive offense (5.1 runs per game vs. 3.7).

Late-game production could prove decisive: the Pirates are batting .213 in the seventh inning or later, averaging just 1.1 runs, while the Brewers are hitting .252 and average 1.5 runs in late innings.

Prediction: Brewers 4, Pirates 2 

Starting Lineups

Milwaukee Brewers

1. Brice Turang – 2B

2. Isaac Collins – LF

3. Jackson Chourio – CF

4. William Contreras – C

5. Sal Frelick – RF

6. Andrew Vaughn – 1B

7. Jake Bauers – DH

8. Caleb Durbin – 3B

9. Joey Ortiz – SS 

Starting Pitcher: Quinn Priester (RHP), 11–2, 3.28 ERA

Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Jared Triolo – SS

2. Spencer Horwitz – 1B

3. Bryan Reynolds – RF

4. Tommy Pham – LF

5. Andrew McCutchen – DH

6. Nick Gonzales – SS

7. Oneil Cruz – CF

8. Joey Bart – C

9. Nick Yorke – 1B

Starting Pitcher: Johan Oviedo (RHP) — 2–0, 3.60 ERA

How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates

First pitch for tonight’s Brewers-Pirates game is set for 6:40 PM Eastern / 5:40 PM Central at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

This game will not air on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, SportsNet-Pittsburgh, or any national cable channel. It’s streaming exclusively on Apple TV+, as part of its “Friday Night Baseball” package.

Apple TV+ subscriptions start at $9.99/month, but if you’ve purchased a new Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may be eligible for a three-month free trial that’ll enable you to watch tonight’s game for free.

This offer may be available even if it’s been some time since you’ve bought your Apple device — as long as you’ve never activated the offer before.

Apple TV+ also offers a seven-day free trial to eligible customers you can take advantage of.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025

First Pitch: 6:40 PM Eastern / 5:40 PM Central

Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

TV / Streaming: Apple TV+ only