Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates ignite PNC Park with a jaw-dropping late comeback but fall short in 12 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Can Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe’s clutch heroics propel the team into true playoff contention, or will defensive lapses and lineup frustrations derail their momentum?

Gary Morgan recaps the Pirates’ heart-pounding 8-7 loss, dissecting Bo Chandler’s tough start, Nick Gonzalez’s multi-hit magic, and the struggles at third base and in the outfield. The conversation spotlights the team's need to stack wins amid a heated playoff chase, examines Brandon Fott’s dominance, and explores the emotional impact of...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Diamondbacks. Bubba Chandler was hit for weak contact in a short 4 inning outing. Chandler allowed 5 runs, 4 of which earned, walked 1 and struck out 3. The Pirates offense was able to rally in the 8th and 9th innings where Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds would tie the game up on back-to-back homers.

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Pittsburgh Pirates electrify PNC Park with a dramatic 3-2 walk-off win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, fueled by Brandon Lowe’s clutch hitting and a bullpen that finally looks to be steadying. As the playoff race intensifies, can Ben Cherrington’s focus on proven relief arms like Luke Weaver and AJ Minter transform the Pirates’ postseason chances?

Gary Morgan examines Esmerlyn Valdez’s injury scare, Mason Montgomery’s emergence as a late-inning force, and vital moves like the acquisition of Jonathan Rodriguez for organizational depth. The episode spotlights statistical oddities in day vs. night games, provides trade proposals involving...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Diamondbacks. Mitch Keller was solid for a second straight outing after the break. Only giving up 2 runs in the no decision. The Pirates would go on to walk off the game thanks to Brandon Lowe. Esmerlyn Valdez would leave the game with an injury.

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Pittsburgh Pirates eye a statement sweep as the playoff race intensifies. Can Mitch Keller anchor the rotation and spark the Bucs past the Arizona Diamondbacks in a pivotal Wild Card showdown? Gary Morgan dissects why this series transcends the standings, revealing what needs to happen for Pittsburgh to prove they belong in October conversations.

Key topics include the Pirates' trade deadline outlook—are Ben Cherrington’s buyers ready to pull the trigger?—plus sharp analysis of bullpen concerns, Spencer Horwitz and Endy Rodriguez's potential returns, and why team control and contract status matter in trade speculation. Explore the vo...

The Pirates bat finally woke up with three home runs including a grand slam by Ryan O'Hearn to lead the Bucs to an 8-7 win over the Cubs. The win salvages a game in the series, avoid the sweep and moves them back to two games over .500. Braxton Ashcraft had an up and down outing but goes six innings for the win and was able to steady the ship and produce two huge shutdown innings to finish his outing. Mason Montgomery gave up two in the 9th but nails down his second save of the season.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Cubs. The Pirates offense continued to struggle as Cubs starter Shota Imanaga continued his dominance over the team. Paul Skenes allowed 5 runs and struck out 11 in the effort today. The Pirates will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow.

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The Pirates fall to the Cubs 3-2 in 10 innings after falling to record an extra base hit all game. Dansby Swanson laced an RBI single into center field where Ian Happ just beat the tag at the plate to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead in the top of the 10th inning. Jared Jones and Matthew Boyd were entrenched in a pitcher’s duel as Jones went six strong innings with just two hits allowed, one walk and five strikeouts. Henry Davis went 2-for-3 with an RBI infield single to score the Bucs first run. Pete-Crow Armstrong tied the ga...

Pittsburgh Pirates eye playoff push as Esmerlyn Valdez emerges as a force and key lineup changes loom. Will rising stars and bold trade rumors propel the Bucs past the competition?

Gary Morgan answers a barrage of fan questions on Valdez’s plate discipline, concerns over Braxton Ashcraft’s innings management, and the slumping Brandon Lowe. The show tackles bullpen usage issues with Carmen Mlodzinski, the future of veterans like Marcel Ozuna, and the club’s trade deadline strategy—highlighting names like Mason Miller, Tarik Skubal, and A.J. Minter. Inside insights abound on the amateur draft haul, the loss...

Pittsburgh Pirates' playoff hopes hang in the balance as overmanagement overshadows stellar starts from Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler. Why are aces being pulled early when the bullpen wobbles, and is the reliance on pregame plans costing vital wins? Gary Morgan questions the team's mentality and challenges Don Kelly’s approach, asking whether it’s time to trust talent instead of the spreadsheet.

The conversation dives into Keller and Chandler's standout outings against MLB powerhouses like the New York Yankees, emphasizing the need for the Pirates to shed their underdog mindset and compete as playoff contenders. Player fati...

Nathan breaks down today's double header that wrapped up the series between the Pirates and Yankees. Bubba Chandler shined in game two, however the offense and Brandon Eisert not so much. In game one today, Mitch Keller had his best start in a while with 5 shutout innings, as the Pirates won in extras. The Bucs split the double header and drop the series to the Yankees. They will take a .500 road trip and will head back home to PNC Park to face the Cubs.

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Pittsburgh Pirates eye a playoff surge as the MLB trade deadline approaches—will Ben Cherington make the aggressive moves needed to fortify the roster? Gary Morgan spotlights pitching as the true x-factor, exploring targets like Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, Jose Soriano, and Freddy Peralta to boost October depth. He breaks down why outfield, first base, and third base aren’t urgent needs after recent additions, shifting the spotlight to the rotation and bullpen.

Key segments feature analysis of Luke Weaver, Andrew Kittredge, Daniel Lynch, Adrian Morejón, and AJ Minter as potential bullpen reinforcements. With injury risks loomi...

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft hits a rough patch as major league hitters figure him out—can he make the crucial adjustments before the season slips away? Meanwhile, rookie Esmerlyn Valdez launches a historic power surge, blasting 14 home runs in just 32 games and rapidly emerging as a top contender for National League Rookie of the Year.

Gary Morgan breaks down Ashcraft’s mechanical struggles, fatigue issues, and the league’s counterattack, raising critical questions about the Pirates’ pitching depth and the front office’s trade deadline strategy. The discussion spotlights Valdez’s game-changing at-bats, how his presence is reshaping...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Yankees. Bad defense, a bad Braxton Ashcraft start and a quiet offense after a quick comeback led to tonight's 8-5 loss at Yankee stadium. The Pirates will look to bounce back tomorrow night with Bubba Chandler on the hill.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge into the NL Wild Card race after a statement series win over the Cleveland Guardians—can Paul Skenes and Esmerlyn Valdez fuel a true playoff push? Gary Morgan breaks down how elite starting pitching, big bats from Valdez and Nick Gonzales, and a resilient mindset put the Bucs directly into postseason position.

Key questions swirl around a struggling bullpen—will Gregory Soto and Dennis Santana be enough, or is it time to overhaul the relief strategy? With the MLB trade deadline looming, Gary Morgan covers which prospects are truly untouchable, clarifies the reality of the...

Billy Cook went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs and Paul Skenes goes 7 innings as the Pirates win 7-1 and take the series over the Guardians in Cleveland. Cook did it with the defense and offense today as he had an outfield assist to nail the runner at home and had a triple, scored two runs and drove in two. Skenes scattered seven hits across seven innings and struck out eight in the win. Esmerlyn Valdez belted his 12th home run late in the game to put the Pirates up 7-1.

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The Pirates had a chance at a doubleheader sweep, but the bullpen blew a 3-0 lead to lose game two 5-3 and end up splitting the twin bill with the Guardians. The Pirates won game 1 earlier on Saturday afternoon 7-1 as Jared Jones struck out 9 in five innings and Esmerlyn Valdez, Nick Gonzales and Jacob Gonzalez all belted home runs for the Bucs. The Pirates move to 51-48 and will have a rubber match with the Guardians Sunday afternoon.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge past expectations, boasting a revamped offense and dominant rotation. Can Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds lead Pittsburgh into the heart of the postseason race? Gary Morgan spotlights the club’s transformation, from a relentless batting order featuring Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe to a pitching staff anchored by Skenes and emerging arms like Braxton Ashcraft and Jared Jones.

Key topics include the Pirates’ playoff calculus, their bullpen’s lingering flaws, and the mounting salary cap debate that could reshape MLB’s future. Gary Morgan breaks down how the Pirates stack up against the Cleveland...

Pittsburgh Pirates face mounting questions as advanced analytics reshape their on-field approach. Can the balance between data-driven strategy and player adaptability fuel a playoff push, or will overreliance on historical trends hold them back? Insights into Braxton Ashcraft’s elite slider and Isaac Matson’s pitch sequencing highlight the high-stakes chess match between theory and real-time adjustments.

Gary Morgan examines the impact of run value metrics, debates the true meaning of strength of schedule, and explores the Pirates’ recent favorable matchups—like their 6-1 record against the Brewers. With trade deadline drama approaching and key series looming against...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pivotal MLB trade deadline with Oneil Cruz at the center of swirling speculation—should the team consider moving their electrifying star for much-needed pitching? Gary Morgan breaks down the unpredictable buyer-seller landscape, spotlighting contenders like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and surprises in both leagues. With the Pirates’ rising offensive firepower courtesy of names like Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, and Esmerlyn Valdez, Morgan asks: Is it time to cash in a unique asset to address glaring pitching gaps?

Key topics include Mitch Keller’s trade value, front office strategy...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as preseason predictions face the ultimate test. Will Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, and Oneil Cruz’s All-Star caliber performances carry the team to 85 wins, or will unexpected injuries and slumps derail the season? Gary Morgan revisits his bold forecasts for team MVP, breakout players, and rookie standouts—owning both the hits and misses as the Pirates chase a wild card spot.

Gary Morgan breaks down Pittsburgh’s evolving player-centric philosophy, spotlighting the controversy around Carmen Mlodzinski’s role and the impact of front office decisions on roster stability. Key topics inc...

Pittsburgh Pirates surge into playoff contention with a thrilling sweep of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, sparked by Esmerlyn Valdez’s explosive grand slam and Paul Skenes’ gritty outing. Can this dynamic offense maintain its momentum as key players return from injury?

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ 50-win first half, spotlighting Valdez’s breakout, the emergence of impact bats, and a lineup that’s suddenly feared across Major League Baseball. Discussion covers the team’s dominance against NL Central rivals, new challenges posed by left-handed pitching, and standout performances by Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino at the Futures Game...

Nathan breaks down the finale of the weekend series between the Pirates and Brewers. The Pirates offense put together a 10-run inning in the 4th and that's all it took today. Henry Davis and Marcell Ozuna both went yard. Paul Skenes looked solid in his last start of the first half. He went 5.1 innings allowed 2 runs and struck out 7 with 1 walk. The Pirates end their first half on a high note with a sweep of the first-place Brewers and will head to Cleveland to take on the Guardians this upcoming weekend.

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The Pirates sweep the Brewers in a doubleheader today winning game one 8-7 and game two 3-2. Valdez clubbed two home runs in game 1, including a go-ahead grand slam in the 7th inning to put the Buccos up for good 8-7. Valdez followed it up with a two-run homer in game 2 to put the Pirates on the board for his 10th homer in just 27 games. Braxton Ashcraft struggled in game 1, allowing five runs in five innings and Bubba Chandler only went 4.2 innings and gave up two runs in game 2, struck out six but walked three.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face a crossroads as Don Kelly navigates his first full season at the helm—has organizational philosophy become the biggest roadblock to true contention? With the offense surging behind the likes of Oneil Cruz, Jake Mangum, and Ryan O'Hearn, questions loom over the Pirates’ bullpen management and the heavy reliance on analytics over gut decisions.

Gary Morgan scrutinizes Don Kelly’s coaching staff shakeups, the controversial move from Oscar Marin to Bill Murphy, and the uneven integration of young talent like Esperlin Valdez and Tyler Callahan. The episode spotlights persistent bullpen struggles, including the use of Den...

We'll be live immediately following the final out for our instant reaction. Mitch Keller struggled in today's matchup, only going 3 innings and allowing 3 runs with 2 walks. Dennis Santana also continued to show his struggles this year in relief efforts. Jake Mangum, Bryan Reynolds, and Esmerlyn Valdez all went yard in the comeback efforts. The Pirates will welcome the Brewers to town to start a weekend series tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh Pirates lose Konnor Griffin to the IL, but panic isn’t the answer. Should the team trade for a shortstop or trust internal depth? Gary Morgan breaks down why Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales, and Jack Brannigan are up to the challenge, and pushes back against costly trade targets like Willy Adames and Trevor Story. The episode compares Griffin’s current defensive output to Triolo’s, highlighting the Pirates’ offensive depth and arguing roster stability over reactionary moves.

The spotlight turns to Ryan O’Hearn, whose historic performance against Atlanta has fans asking if he’s already the franchis...

The Pirates three-game winning streak is snapped with a 3-0 loss to the Braves after Jared Jones was pulled with a perfect game. Jones went six perfect innings with 8 strikeouts, but was pulled due to a strict pitch count at 77 pitches. Former Pirates catcher Joey Bart hit a 2-run home run off Dennis Santana to give the Braves a 3-0 victory. The offense for the Pirates had just four hits and no extra-base hits against Braves starter Grant Holmes and the Braves bullpen.

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Pittsburgh Pirates shatter records as Ryan O’Hearn delivers a historic 10-RBI performance in a 12–4 rout of the Atlanta Braves. Has this offensive explosion reignited the squad’s postseason hopes?

Gary Morgan spotlights Paul Skenes finally earning run support while analyzing the significance of O’Hearn’s unforgettable night. The episode unpacks the latest on top prospect Konnor Griffin’s injury and lays out three bold trade deadline strategies—from conservative bullpen upgrades like Kyle Finnegan and Taylor Rogers, to aggressive targets such as Robbie Ray, AJ Minter, and even a blockbuster Tarek Skubal deal. Key topics include the Pi...

Nathan breaks down the series opener between the Pirates and Braves. Have a night, Ryan O'Hearn! O'Hearn would smash 3 HR, and a team and career record 10 RBI in ONE game! Paul Skenes looked better tonight, than previous during his rough stretch, but O'Hearn stole the show. The Pirates will look to take game two and the series tomorrow night with Jared Jones on the mound.

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Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to shape their next decade with the MLB Draft’s fifth overall pick and the league’s largest bonus pool. Will Jackson Flora become the latest ace to emerge from Pittsburgh's elite pitching pipeline, or will the front office target high-upside prep stars like Eric Booth Jr. or Jacob Lombard? The conversation focuses on draft strategy, the organization’s pitching development success, and the flexibility offered by coveted supplemental picks.

Attention shifts to the Pirates’ playoff push, fueled by a top-five offensive unit led by Bryan Reynolds, Brandon Lowe, and Esmerlyn Valdez. With the team’s b...

Gonzales and Esmerlyn Valdez fueling a 4–3 stretch on the road. Are the Pirates building real momentum for a second-half surge? Gary Morgan breaks down how aggressive baserunning from Konnor Griffin, critical late-game rallies, and improved pitching are reshaping expectations for the Bucs.

All-Star roster debates heat up as Paul Skenes receives the lone Pirates nod, but should Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, or Ashcraft have made the cut? Gary Morgan tackles fan frustrations over runners in scoring position stats, explains why on-base percentage and consistent traffic matter more, and forecasts Pittsburgh’s outlook heading into the All-Star break. Can...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Nationals. The Pirates offense started out hot with 4 runs against Cade Cavalli but then were quiet until an 8th inning rally. Bryan Reynolds, and Brandon Lowe both went yard. Bubba Chandler had a rocky start today against the Nationals. The Pirates will head back to PNC Park this week the face the Braves and Brewers.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the weekend series between the Pirates and Nationals. Braxton Ashcraft put together yet again another solid outing to celebrate the 4th of July in DC. He put together 7 strikeouts and 1 earned run across 5.2 innings of work. The offense put together a solid day by scoring in bunches in the 2nd and 8th innings, along with a steal of home by Konnor Griffin in the 1st. Bubba Chandler will look to give the Pirates a series win tomorrow in the finale.

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Mitch Keller was hit hard early and often and put the Pirates in a hole that was too much to climb out of as the Bucs fall 9-5 to the Nationals. Keller settled down and ended up going six innings with five runs allowed on eight hits, including three home runs. Bryan Reynolds hit a solo home run (12th) for the lone Pirates run of the game. Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia hit two home runs to lead the Nationals as they clubbed four dingers in the win.

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Pittsburgh Pirates threaten franchise history with a midseason power surge—could 200 home runs be within reach? Gary Morgan spotlights the transformation at PNC Park, as Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn power a lineup reinvented by Ben Cherrington’s bold offseason moves. With the Pirates surging in run production and this year’s catching corps already approaching a long-standing home run record, the conversation turns to whether this new-look offense can fuel a serious playoff push.

Relive the top 10 moments in Pirates history, from Bill Mazeroski’s legendary 1960 walk-off to Roberto Clemente’s unforgettable 3,000th hit. Gary Morgan explo...

The Pirates battled back to win a gritty 6-1 game over the Phillies to get back to .500 at 44-44. Esmerlyn Valdez had two hits and three RBIs including a huge go-ahead RBI triple in the 7th inning to continue his hot hitting. Jared Jones went four innings with one run allowed on two hits and six strikeouts. Carmen Mlodzinski came in after Jones and shut down the Phillies for three scoreless innings. Endy Rodriguez and Nick Gonzales each hit a solo home run for insurance runs late.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hit a snag as ace Paul Skenes falters on the mound—can the team still count on their foundation? Gary Morgan tackles Skenes’ alarming slide, dissecting his recent struggles with command, declining velocity, and a changing pitch mix. The conversation spotlights the Pirates’ losing streak in Skenes’ starts, questions surrounding player workload, and the complexities of managing a pitcher with a massive support staff and specialized routines.

Key topics include the Pirates’ approach to lineup decisions against left-handed pitchers, the fairness of pitching coach criticism, and creative trade proposals involving Ryan O’Hearn. Gary Morgan al...

The Pirates drop their second straight to the Phillies Wednesday night to drop back under .500 in a 10-6 loss. Paul Skenes struggled again and gave up seven earned runs as the Pirates have now lost nine straight Skenes starts. The bats got to Zack Wheeler as they chased him out of the game in the 5th inning with four runs allowed. Henry Davis belted his 7th home run of the season and Nick Gonzales had 3 hits.

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Pittsburgh Pirates go toe-to-toe with the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about just how close these squads are in the NL hierarchy. Can a surging Esmerlyn Valdez and a resilient lineup close the perceived gap—and is a second-half playoff push in sight? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ comeback win and tough loss, spotlights Valdez’s breakout power, and debates if veteran Marcell Ozuna’s days are numbered with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz nearing returns.

Key topics include critical bullpen concerns, a bold list of MLB trade targets—from Luke Weaver to Aroldis Chapman—and how the Pirates’...