The Pittsburgh Pirates are still fighting for their playoff lives, even if the chances of them getting into the dance are slim.

Pittsburgh is now getting ready for a massive three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels, giving them an opportunity to stack some wins. The Angels have been one of the worst teams in baseball this season, so the Pirates will need to take advantage of the situation.

The Pirates come into this game having won the last few series they've played. This includes wins over the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh is battling for a wild-card spot in the National League, giving them some life heading into the final weeks of the season. But this matchup with the Angels could be telling in how the rest of the year plays out.

Friday, September 4: RHP Jared Jones vs RHP Ryan Johnson

Jones gets the nod for the Pirates to open the series, with the right-hander having a decent year. Overall, Jones has a 4.83 ERA, but he's really struggled over his last five outings.

In August, Jones posted a 7.40 ERA over five starts. He will be looking to bounce back against the Angels, hoping to set the tone of the series.

Johnson goes for the Angeles, with the right-hander posting a 5.47 ERA over 17 appearances (14 starts). The right-hander has a 1.71 ERA over his last five outings.

Saturday, September 5: RHP Braxton Ashcraft vs LHP Yusei Kikuchi

In the second game, Ashcraft will go for the Pirates. In 27 starts this year, the right-hander has a 3.59 ERA.

Ashcraft last pitched against the Cardinals, going five innings, allowing two runs on six hits. If he can put together another strong outing, the Pirates could be in good shape.

As for the Angeles, Kikuchi will take the mound, and he has a 5.65 ERA over nine starts this year. Kikuchi last pitched against the Philadelphia Phillies, going seven innings, allowing two runs.

Sunday, September 6: RHP Paul Skenes vs RHP Walbert Ureña

Skenes takes the ball for the Pirates in this game, and he'll be looking to bounce back from his last outing. The right-hander got lit up by the Giants in his last start, getting tagged for five runs and eight hits over 4.2 innings.

The Pirates ace has seen better days, with him allowing 12 runs over his last 25 innings. For the year, Skenes has a 3.97 ERA over 28 starts.

For the Angels, Ureña will be going and he's been good for the team. Overall, the right-hander owns a 2.85 ERA in 25 appearances (23 starts)

First pitch for Friday's opener will be at 3:45 p.m. PT/6:45 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Apple TV.

First pitch for Saturday's game will be 3:40 p.m. PT/6:40 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh, ABTV, and in the MLB app

First pitch for Sunday's finale will be at 10:35 a.m. PT/1:35 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh, ABTV, and in the MLB app.