Falter vs. Henderson Headlines Pirates-Brewers Finale in Pittsburgh
Bailey Falter has quietly become a stabilizing force for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and on Sunday, he’ll look to continue that trend against the Milwaukee Brewers in the final game of their four-game set at PNC Park.
The Pirates have won four of their last five and are aiming for their first three-game win streak of the season, as well as a chance to capture back-to-back series wins—a milestone they’ve yet to hit in 2025.
Falter on Fire, Anchoring Rotation
Falter (3-3, 3.50 ERA) has turned in three straight scoreless starts, totaling 16 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Over his past four outings, he’s allowed just one earned run across 23 2/3 innings, emerging as the kind of reliable starter the Pirates sorely needed.
He’s found another gear at home, where he owns a 2.32 ERA across five starts, making Pittsburgh a tougher out for visiting teams.
“I’ve got a job to do every five or six days,” Falter said. “I just try to compete my (butt) off, get these guys back in the dugout and let them go to work.”
Check Falter’s advanced metrics and trends via the MLB Expert Betting Guide.
Rookie Sensation Henderson Starting for Milwaukee
The Brewers counter with Logan Henderson (3-0, 1.69 ERA)—a 23-year-old right-hander who’s writing history with every outing. According to OptaSTATS, Henderson is the only pitcher in modern MLB history to start his career with:
- Three wins
- At least seven strikeouts in each start
He’s compiled 21 Ks and just four walks in 16 innings, and in his latest performance against the Orioles, he threw five shutout frames with seven punchouts.
Henderson’s elite ride on his fastball, paired with a deceptive changeup, has made him nearly unhittable through his first three starts.
“I think I have unique characteristics in my fastball,” Henderson said. “I don’t fully understand it sometimes, but I get swings and misses, and that’s big for my confidence.”
Track his development and matchup odds on the MLB Picks Page.
Saturday Recap: Pirates Edge Brewers 2-1
Saturday’s game was a grinder, but the Pirates did just enough to secure a 2-1 win—their fourth win in five games and one that sets up a potential series win.
Milwaukee out-hit Pittsburgh 11-6 but stranded runners repeatedly, failing to convert with runners in scoring position. That’s been a theme lately for the Brewers.
“Just didn’t get the big hit again,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “You’ve got to do more than that to beat a team playing well like the Pirates.”
Pirates Offense Continues to Do Just Enough
The Pirates didn’t light up the box score Saturday, but clutch moments made the difference. If they can combine continued pitching excellence with a few timely hits, they’ll remain competitive in the NL Central.
Explore team stats and line movement via the MLB Team Page.
Brewers Searching for Clutch Gene
The Brewers have won the season series so far but are struggling to finish innings. With seven starting pitchers on the injured list, Milwaukee has had to lean on Henderson, who has responded brilliantly—but the bats must deliver more run support.
Milwaukee remains in playoff contention, but with St. Louis and Chicago breathing down their necks, Sunday’s result could be pivotal.
See futures odds and divisional projections on the MLB Odds Page.
What to Watch in Sunday’s Finale
Can Falter keep the streak alive?
His ERA is dropping fast, and his command has been razor-sharp. Another scoreless start could cement his status as Pittsburgh’s ace.
Will Henderson maintain his historic run?
Three starts, three wins, 21 strikeouts. If he continues at this pace, Milwaukee might have found a long-term solution for its rotation woes.
Can Milwaukee find timely hits?
Eleven hits on Saturday produced just one run. That has to change if they want to win the series.
Will the Pirates finally win back-to-back series?
A win Sunday would give Pittsburgh something it hasn’t had all year: momentum.

FAQs
Who is starting for the Pirates on Sunday?
Left-hander Bailey Falter (3-3, 3.50 ERA), who hasn’t allowed a run in three straight starts.
Who is pitching for the Brewers?
Rookie sensation Logan Henderson (3-0, 1.69 ERA), who’s struck out 21 in his first three career starts.
What’s at stake for the Pirates?
A win would mark their first three-game winning streak and their first back-to-back series wins of 2025.
How did the Brewers lose Saturday despite 11 hits?
They failed to convert with runners in scoring position and left several scoring opportunities on the table.
Where can I get matchup previews and betting picks?
Visit the MLB Picks Page and the MLB Expert Guide for detailed analysis.