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The Pirates face the Rays tonight in a key MLB matchup at PNC Park. Fans can find details on the channel, live stream, and start time for the game.
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Bubba Chandler
How to Watch Pirates vs. Rays Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Friday MLB Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's an early season matchup of first-place teams Friday as the Pirates host the Rays to open a weekend series at PNC Park.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of a homestand after wrapping up a four-game set with the Nationals on Thursday. Brandon Lowe continues to pace the Pirates' offense, ranking among MLB's leaders in OPS (.992) and home runs (seven), while Oneil Cruz and Ryan O'Hearn also are off to strong starts at the plate.
While pitching has long been the Rays' calling card, they've had a role reversal of sorts early in 2026. Their staff is near the bottom of MLB with a 4.38 ERA, but their .735 team OPS puts them sixth in the majors.
Tampa Bay is expected to send Nick Martinez to the mound Friday evening. He has no decisions this year but has been stellar, allowing four earned runs â all of them coming on homers â across three starts. will take the ball for Pittsburgh as he looks to get a handle on his command. The right-hander has walked 12 batters in 14 innings so far but has mostly been able to limit the damage in three starts.
The game starts at 7:05 PM ET.
You can watch the game on local sports networks or stream it online through various platforms.
The game will be broadcast on the regional sports network affiliated with the Pirates.
Brandon Lowe, Oneil Cruz, and Ryan O'Hearn are key players to watch in this matchup.

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Who will start the weekend with a win? Here's everything you need to know to watch the series opener.
Pirates vs. Rays will not air on traditional television Friday. The game will stream live as part of Apple TV's "Friday Night Baseball" package.
New subscribers get their first week of Apple TV for free. After that, they can subscribe for just $12.99/month.
Subscribers can watch "Friday Night Baseball" with the Apple TV app, which is available on select smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV and gaming consoles.
First pitch of Pirates vs. Rays on Friday is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. The game will be played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Here is the upcoming schedule for the Pirates:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| April 17 | vs. Rays | 6:40 p.m. |
| April 18 | vs. Rays | 4:05 p.m. |
| April 19 | vs. Rays | 1:35 p.m. |
| April 21 | at Rangers | 8:05 p.m. |
| April 22 | at Rangers | 8:05 p.m. |
Here is the upcoming schedule for the Rays:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| April 17 | at Pirates | 6:40Â p.m. |
| April 18 | at Pirates | 4:05 p.m. |
| April 19 | at Pirates | 1:35 p.m. |
| April 20 | vs. Reds | 6:40 p.m. |
| April 21 | vs. Reds | 6:40 p.m. |