The Milwaukee Brewers head to PNC Park on Wednesday, September 16 for a 6:40 PM ET showdown with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Logan Henderson takes the ball for Milwaukee against Pittsburgh's Jared Jones in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching matchup late in the regular season. For Brewers fans who can't make the trip to Pittsburgh, catch the action on Brewers.TV Presented by Potawatomi Sportsbook or tune into WTMJ 620 AM back home in Milwaukee.

Brewers vs. Pirates Pitching Matchup: Henderson Faces Jones at PNC Park

Logan Henderson gets the nod for Milwaukee, and this is a start that matters. The regular season is winding down, and every outing carries weight. Henderson will need to be sharp against a Pittsburgh lineup that features some legitimate threats from top to bottom.

On the other side, Jared Jones gets the call for the Pirates. Jones is a young arm with the kind of stuff that can keep opposing offenses off-balance. Henderson and Jones squaring off makes this one worth watching from the first pitch.

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• Konnor Griffin, SS
• Brandon Lowe, 2B
• Bryan Reynolds, DH
• Oneil Cruz, CF
• Rafael Flores Jr., C
• Ryan O'Hearn, 1B
• Ronny Simon, RF
• Jacob Gonzalez, 3B
• Jake Mangum, LF

Keys to Watch for Milwaukee

Henderson's Command Will Be the Difference

The Pirates lineup has pop. Oneil Cruz is one of the more physically imposing hitters in the National League, and Bryan Reynolds hitting third gives Pittsburgh a dangerous middle of the order. Henderson needs to establish his fastball early and keep the ball down to limit damage from that Cruz-Reynolds combination. Free passes in this ballpark, where the gaps are inviting, can get expensive fast.

Handling the Top of Pittsburgh's Order

Konnor Griffin leading off sets the table for a Pittsburgh offense that wants to get on base and create problems. Brandon Lowe batting second adds another layer of on-base threat. Milwaukee's pitching staff — starting with Henderson — needs to attack the strike zone and avoid falling into deep counts against Griffin and Lowe before Reynolds and Cruz even step in.

Brewers Offense Needs to Stay Patient Against Jones

Jared Jones can miss bats, so the Brewers will need to work counts, stay disciplined, and look for pitches they can drive. PNC Park is a beautiful place to play, but it's also a pitcher-friendly environment. Milwaukee's offense can't afford to chase and has to make Jones work deep into at-bats to get into Pittsburgh's bullpen.

Prediction

This one figures to be a low-scoring, pitching-driven game — exactly the kind of Wednesday night September baseball that tests roster depth and concentration. Henderson has the ability to keep Milwaukee in the game, and if the Brewers offense can manufacture runs against Jones and take advantage of any bullpen vulnerability, they have a real shot on the road. Expect a close game decided in the later innings. Brewers win, 3-2.