The Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates open a weekend interleague series Friday night at PNC Park, with both teams looking to build early-season momentum.MORE:5 MLB players who should be traded during the 2026 seasonApr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) runs to third baae on an RBI triple against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch Rays vs PiratesDate: Friday, April 17, 2026Time: 6:40 PM ETChannel: Apple TVStream: Apple TV (try for free)The matchup begins a three-game set in Pittsburgh, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

ET Friday, and the game also features a ceremonial first pitch from former Pirates All-Star A.J. Burnett.Tampa Bay comes in off a strong stretch that included a series sweep of the Yankees, highlighting their offensive production early in the season.Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has shown flashes of improvement as well, recently picking up wins behind timely hitting, including a 2–0 victory over the Cubs, powered by Bryan Reynolds.– Live Stream Rays vs Pirates with Apple TV –This series opener sets up as a contrast in styles. The Rays have leaned on pitching upside, highlighted by breakout performances like Taj Bradley’s early-season success, while continuing to generate offense through depth in the lineup.The Pirates, on the other hand, are building around a mix of young talent and emerging contributors, including Konnor Griffin, who has already made an impact early in the year.With both teams trending upward and looking to establish consistency, Friday’s opener should be a competitive start to the series at PNC Park.This is a great MLB matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.Live stream Rays vs Pirates on Apple TV: Start your subscription now!With Apple TV, you can watch live television, including MLB games, all season long without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet.

Apple TV carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —