Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cleveland Guardians

Pittsburgh Pirates at Cleveland Guardians (2026-07-18). Braxton Ashcraft vs Logan Allen at Progressive Field.

Starters — Braxton Ashcraft has a 3.49 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 113.1 innings, with a strong 10.16 K/9, 2.14 BB/9, and 1.11 HR/9. His last three starts were uneven: 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 K, 2 BB; 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 2 BB; and 6.0 IP, 5 ER, 8 K, 1 BB. The strikeout ability and control remain solid, but the recent run prevention trend is up after allowing 10 earned runs over those three outings. Logan Allen has a 0.00 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 4.0 innings, with 15.75 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, and 0.00 HR/9. His only listed recent outing was 4.0 scoreless innings with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk. The sample is extremely small, so the swing-and-miss rate stands out more than the surface ERA.

Teams — Pittsburgh brings the stronger offensive profile with a .768 OPS, .263 average, and 516 runs scored. The Pirates are also in decent recent form at 7-3 over their last 10 games. Their pitching staff has been more middle-of-the-pack, carrying a 4.32 team ERA and 1.32 WHIP. Cleveland’s offense has been lighter by comparison, posting a .679 OPS, .229 average, and 385 runs. The Guardians have still gone 6-4 in their last 10, and their run prevention has been the cleaner unit overall with a 3.71 team ERA and 1.26 WHIP. That sets up a contrast between Pittsburgh’s stronger lineup production and Cleveland’s better full-staff pitching numbers.