The Giants and their fans might be in for a stressful finish to the season. San Francisco has overcome a sluggish start to be in a postseason spot coming out of the All-Star break, but holding onto it won't be easy.
The Giants lead both the Phillies and Brewers by just a half-game in the NL wild-card race, with the Padres lurking as a potential dark horse. The NL West is also very much in play for Gabe Kapler's team. Friday night's game in Pittsburgh is an opportunity for the Giants to start the second half on the right foot.
The Pirates have faded from postseason contention after starting the season 20-8, falling eight games under .500. The arrivals of first-round picks Henry Davis and Nick Gonzales have added a spark to Pittsburgh's lineup, but there is plenty of work ahead for Derek Shelton's group.
If the franchise wants to have any hope in the NL Central, it will need to make a serious run early in the second half. A home win over the Giants on Friday could get the ball rolling.
MORE: Watch 'Friday Night Baseball' tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
Here's what you need to know to watch the Pirates host the Giants on Friday night.
What channel is Giants vs. Pirates on tonight?
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Giants and Pirates will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2023 MLB season.
What time is Giants vs. Pirates tonight?
- First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET
Giants vs. Pirates from PNC Park in Pittsburgh is set to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
Apple TV+ will have pregame coverage throughout the day with curated articles for each team and MLB. Fans can watch the "Countdown to First Pitch" pregame show 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Apple TV+ will broadcast another game on Friday night: Dodgers vs. Mets from Citi Field in New York at 7:10 p.m. ET.
How to live stream Giants vs. Pirates
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Giants vs. Pirates will be available exclusively through Apple TV+, but there are still different ways to stream the game. Apple TV+ is available to stream on your phone, tablet, computer and smart TV, as well as streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV stick.
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How much does Apple TV+ cost?
The service starts at $6.99 a month in the U.S. Yearly subscriptions begin at $69. In Canada, a monthly subscription is $8.99 CAD.
Last season, the service was free for those trying to watch "Friday Night Baseball," but that is no longer an option. Apple does offer a seven-day free trial for new sign-ups, but you will need a subscription to watch MLB's "Friday Night Baseball" games beyond that.
The service is also home to the hit show "Ted Lasso," among other original series. It also operates MLS Season Pass, which allows fans to watch every MLS game without blackout restrictions, for an additional fee.
Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' 2023 schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Friday, July 14 | Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 14 | San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 21 | St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs | 2:20 p.m. |
| Friday, July 21 | San Diego Padres vs. Detroit Tigers | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, July 28 | Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 28 | Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 7 p.m. |
