The week ahead: Pirates to host Rockies, Phillies at PNC Park

Bill Hartlep TribLive Fri, May 8, 2026 • 08:36 AM

Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, left, takes the ball from starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, third from left, as he is pulled from the mound while catcher Hunter Goodman, second from left, and third baseman Kyle Karros look on in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Denver. (AP)

The week ahead

vs. Rockies

6:40 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)

6:40 p.m. Wednesday (SN PIT)

12:35 p.m. Thursday (SN PIT)

• The Rockies were MLB’s worst team last season at 43-119 and again have had their share of struggles. They entered their weekend series with the Phillies at 15-23 and a 3-7 mark in the last 10 games. Outfielder Mickey Moniak has been a bright spot with a .318 average, 11 homers and 21 RBIs. First baseman TJ Rumfield is hitting .275 with a team-high 38 hits. On the mound, Chase Dollander (3-2) has a 3.38 ERA with 42 strikeouts. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer is a Greensburg Central Catholic grad.

vs. Phillies

6:40 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)

4:05 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)

1:35 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)

• After a slow start, the Phillies have found their stride. Entering a weekend series against Colorado, Philly had won eight of its past 10 games to move to 17-21. Philly’s sluggers have gotten hot, as 1B Bryce Harper (.275, 9 HR, 23 RBIs), LF Brandon Marsh (.333, 4 HR, 19 RBIs) and DH Kyle Schwarber (.216, 12 HR, 21 RBIs) lead the way at the plate. Christopher Sanchez has been one of the top pitchers in the NL at 3-2 with a 2.42 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, .266 batting average against and 60 strikeouts through eight starts.