Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates called upon Gregory Soto to pitch the 8th and stayed with him as he melted down to give up two runs to blow a late lead and lose 4-3. The blown lead spoiled Ryan O’Hearn’s go-ahead 3-run home run in the 6th inning that turned the game on its head giving the Pirates a 3-2 lead. Paul Skenes went seven strong innings with four strikeouts and two runs allowed before the bullpen blew it.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Cubs. The Pirates young rookie pitchers all struggled today. Wilber Dotel, Khristian Curtis, and Antwone Kelly all did not have great welcomes to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. The Bucs offense scored 2 runs off of Shota Imanaga which is a rare occurrence for them to even get one off of them in recent history. The Pirates will send Paul Skenes to the mound tomorrow to face Clay Holmes in game two.

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Pittsburgh Pirates overcome adversity as Jared Jones delivers a dominant start just as the team loses Braxton Ashcraft to right arm discomfort. Is Jones ready to step up as a true co-ace and anchor the rotation in Ashcraft’s absence? Gary Morgan breaks down Jones’ near no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, explores the bullpen’s resurgence with Luke Weaver and Mason Montgomery, and questions whether bullpen games or a call-up could fill the gap in the pitching staff.

Oneil Cruz’s explosive return transforms the Pirates lineup, sparking renewed offensive consistency and defensive improvement in center field. M...

Jared Jones took a no-hitter into the 7th inning as the Pirates pulled out a 2-0 victory to sweep the first-place White Sox for their fourth straight win. Colson Montgomery broke up Jones no-hit bid with a double with two outs in the 7th inning. Jones finished with seven shutout innings with the one hit allowed and struck out eight batters in a massive start. Oneil Cruz provided the offense with three hits, a solo home run for his 18th HR of the season and an RBI single in the 8th inning to add on an insurance run. This...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a roster puzzle as Nick Gonzalez’s breakout bat collides with defensive concerns and increased competition from Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lau, and Jacob Gonzalez. Is Pittsburgh prepared to sacrifice offense for defense as the playoff hunt heats up, or will Gonzalez be squeezed out despite Silver Slugger–worthy production?

Gary Morgan spotlights historic September comebacks, analyzes the Pirates’ own playoff hopes, and fields tough AMA questions on Ben Charrington’s future, Don Kelly’s leadership, and Mitch Keller’s struggles. With key decisions looming and fan expectations high, every lineup move could decide the Pirates’ f...

The Pirates bullpen game was a success as they defeat the White Sox 4-2 to clinch their 5th consecutive series win. Esmerlyn Valdez belted his 17th homer of the season to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead in the 5th inning. The Bucs would add three runs in the 7th inning thanks to an RBI single by Rafael Flores and then a two-RBI single by Konnor Griffin. Lake Bachar got the start and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings and then seven relievers followed to shut down the Sox to move back to .500 at 73-73.

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Pittsburgh Pirates surge as Rafael Flores sets a new team home run record for catchers and Bubba Chandler dominates on the mound. Can Flores’ breakout keep the Pirates in the Wild Card race?

Gary Morgan analyzes Flores’ rapid defensive growth and increasing playing time, with insight into Henry Davis’s mentoring role and the Pirates’ evolving catcher strategy. Key segments spotlight the Pirates’ explosive offensive performance against the Chicago White Sox, Chandler’s electric fastball, and how aggressive baserunning sealed a commanding win. The episode also revisits a dramatic 1908 pennant race, revealing the Pirates’ historic heartbreak and what it can te...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and White Sox. The Pirates offense came to play in tonight's matchup. The Pirates would tag White Sox starter Sean Burke for 7 runs on 8 hits in only 1.1 innings of work. The offense would continue to keep things rolling after as well. Bubba Chandler put together a solid 6-inning outing where he would only allow 2 runs on 4 hits. Chandler would strikeout 8 and walk none. The Pirates will look to win another series and try and get back to .500 tomorrow night in Chicago against the White Sox in game two...

Pittsburgh Pirates eye spoiler role as Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones look to shake up the playoff hunt in Chicago. Can the Pirates influence the fates of the White Sox and Cubs, both desperate for wins, while nurturing young talent like Henry Davis and Nick Gonzalez in high-stakes September matchups?

Gary Morgan spotlights pivotal pitching duels—Bubba Chandler versus Sean Burke—and evaluates the playoff races’ chaos across both leagues, from the AL’s shallow field to baffling run differentials. Listener questions drive debate on Sonny Gray’s Cy Young chances, Nick Gonzalez’s future trajectory, and the organiza...

Pittsburgh Pirates outlast Los Angeles Angels despite scoring just three runs all series—are they finally embracing a new offensive identity? Gary Morgan spotlights the Pirates’ scrappy run manufacturing and questions if this evolving situational approach, rather than slugging, could spark a miracle playoff push. Insights include Connor Griffin’s adjustment phase, Spencer Horwitz’s struggles at first base, and the looming return of Ryan O’Hearn, potentially reshaping the lineup at a critical juncture.

Memorable Labor Day moments in Pirates history are revisited, from Diomedes Olivio’s debut to Neil Walker’s clutch hits, underscoring the holiday’s rich...

Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Angels. Henry Davis would launch a solo homer and that's all that the Pirates did offensively to win today's game. Paul Skenes put together 5.1 innings of shutout baseball. Oneil Cruz would have two solid plays in centerfield today. The Pirates are now off to Chicago for their road trip.

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The Pirates couldn’t pick up Braxton Ashcraft as the Angels took an early lead and poured it on in a 6-1 Pirates loss. Ashcraft gave up three runs in five innings, but the Pirates offense couldn’t do anything against a lefty starter again. Isaac Mattson pitched two innings, giving up three more runs to put this game out of reach. Bryan Reynolds provided the only offense with a solo home run late for his 16th of the season. With the loss, the Pirates fall to 70-73.

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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Angels. Jared Jones shoved in the series opener against the Angels. Jones would go 6 innings while only allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 9 LA Angels bats. Konnor Griffin in his return would score all the way from 1st base on a Jake Mangum double where the Pirates rookie would speed around the bases in an impressive showing. The Pirates inducted their 2026 Hall of Famers today. The Pirates and Angels will meet for game two tomorrow evening.

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Pittsburgh Pirates place playoff hopes on Konnor Griffin’s return—can the rookie phenom ignite an anemic offense, or is the pressure too much? Gary Morgan explores why Griffin’s comeback arrives with sky-high expectations and debates whether Pittsburgh should ease him in or throw him into the spotlight from day one.

Major topics include Griffin’s role at the top of the lineup, comparisons to Roman Anthony’s situation in Boston, and the franchise’s urgent need for game-changing performances. Gary Morgan also celebrates the Pirates’ 2026 Hall of Fame class—Wilbur Cooper, John Candelaria, and Jack Wilson—emphasizi...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a franchise-defining crossroads: can they keep electrifying superstar Oneil Cruz as arbitration prices soar? Gary Morgan breaks down Cruz’s unique power, defensive evolution in center field, and why his next contract could shape the Pirates’ future. With Cruz’s elite Statcast numbers and game-changing talent, is a long-term extension the only way forward—or are the risks too much for Pittsburgh to handle as free agency looms?

Bubba Chandler’s rookie campaign offers fresh hope for the Pirates’ pitching, as Gary Morgan spotlights his development from erratic flamethrower to reliable rotation arm. Key insights inc...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Giants. The Giants would defeat the Pirates in game two in 10 innings with a 2-run effort in the 10th. The Pirates would battle back late however would come inches away from a walk-off homer. Bubba Chandler put together a 5-inning effort where he allowed 3 earned runs, however a defensive miscue helped out with this. The Pirates and Giants will have a rubber match in game three tomorrow afternoon.

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Pittsburgh Pirates survive a 13-12 thriller over the San Francisco Giants, powered by Brandon Lowe’s four-hit night and a nine-run third inning. Can Paul Skenes reclaim his ace status as the Pirates eye a brighter 2027?

Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ chaotic win, spotlighting key performances from O’Neil Cruz and Nick Gonzalez. Discussion centers on Pittsburgh’s rebuilt bullpen—featuring Mason Montgomery, Luke Weaver, and Kirby Yates—and why their trade deadline acquisitions exceeded expectations. The episode tackles future roles for Murph Gray and the ongoing catcher dilemma, plus fan frustration after decades without a championship...

The Pirates walked it off in the bottom of the 9th inning on an error to defeat the Giants 13-12 in a wild affair for their third straight victory. The Bucs exploded for nine runs in the 3rd inning to take a commanding lead that the bullpen could not hold. Trailing 5-2, the Pirates sent 16 batters to the plate and scored nine times on nine singles. Brandon Lowe belted his 29th home run of the season late in the game. Paul Skenes started, but failed to go five innings for the win as he gave up five earned runs...

Pittsburgh Pirates face a franchise-defining decision: will Brandon Lowe return after another standout season at second base? With Lowe crushing 28 home runs and posting elite defensive metrics in 2026, Gary Morgan explores why letting him walk could set the team back—and what it would take to fill the void. Can Nick Gonzales or anyone else step up, or must the Pirates break with tradition to lock in their power-hitting infielder for 2027 and beyond?

Gary Morgan scrutinizes the Pirates’ offensive struggles, challenging the narrative that strikeouts alone are their undoing. Power hitting from stars like Oneil Cruz and Brya...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes hinge on the long ball—can their power-first identity carry them forward, or will offensive inconsistency hold them back? Gary Morgan breaks down the Pirates’ striking reliance on home runs, revealing how their win-loss record shifts dramatically depending on their slugging. Key analysis spotlights the struggles against left-handed pitching, why small-ball hasn’t emerged despite team speed, and how organizational hitting philosophy may be stifling situational offense.

The conversation shifts to Spencer Horwitz’s tough return from the IL, dissecting the impact of his hamstring injury on his swing mechanics and future role in the lin...

The Pirates’ power showed up in this one as Esmerlyn Valdez hit his 16th homer of the season and Jared Triolo also went deep to lead the Bucs to a 5-4 win over the Cardinals. With the win, the Pirates finish the road trip 4-5. Braxton Ashcraft goes five innings with two runs allowed to move to 14-5 this season. This was the Pirates second straight series win on the road after being swept by the Dodgers to start the roadtrip.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Cardinals. Brnadon Lowe and Rafael Flores Jr would both hit homers. Lowe would hit a solo shot, and Flores Jr would add a 3-run shot to help power the Pirates offense today. In the 6th inning the defensive woes for the Pirates would continue. Jacob Gonzalez would commit errors on back-to-back plays, and then Oneil Cruz would follow with another one in center field. A mixture of Pirates relievers would take the ball for the Pirates today. The series will come down to tomorrow's matchup.

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Cardinals. The Cardinals were able to get to Jared Jones tonight as Jones would allow 3 runs over 4.2 innings of work. The Pirates offense was yet again quiet in tonight's loss. We also discuss a play that happened in tonight's game that perfectly sums up the 2026 Pirates.

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St. Louis Cardinals exceed preseason expectations while Pittsburgh Pirates face another potential losing season—do offseason promises really matter once the grind begins? Gary Morgan compares the Cardinals’ strategic flexibility with the Pirates’ unwavering playoff push, questioning the impact of front-office statements when reality hits the diamond.

Key highlights include Konnor Griffin’s breakout at shortstop, the evolving roles of Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales, and the challenge of solidifying the Pirates’ infield defense. Gary Morgan scrutinizes Ben Charrington’s tenure as Pirates general manager: has Pittsburgh truly built a sustainable talent pipeline, or are major league wins still o...

Pittsburgh Pirates fans get a glimmer of hope as Paul Skenes looks like an ace again against the San Diego Padres. Has Skenes finally turned the corner with his mechanics, and what does this mean for the Pirates’ future? Gary Morgan breaks down Skenes’ dominant outing, compares his journey to MLB standouts like Zack Wheeler, and questions whether the team relies too heavily on their pitching staff to stay competitive.

The spotlight shifts to the Pirates’ ongoing struggles with runners in scoring position, despite offensive improvements from Nick Gonzalez, Brandon Lau, and Ryan O’Hearn. Critical moments, missed o...

Nathan breaks down the series finale between the Pirates and Padres. The Pirates offense continued their struggles with runners in scoring position in today's game three loss. The Pirates still managed to take a series against the Padres for the first time since 2023, however. Bubba Chandler pitched solid enough to give the offense the chance to take a lead. He went 5.2 innings, struck out 3 and allowed 4 hits. Chandler would walk 2 but only allow 1 run as the 2nd came in after a Nick Gonzales error. The Pirates will have an off day tomorrow before they head to St. Louis to...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ high-strikeout pitching staff falters as defensive lapses and bullpen instability fuel a 2026 regression. Can talent alone carry a team when run prevention suffers? Gary Morgan spotlights Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller’s development—highlighting the volatility when young arms face Major League pressure and the defense fails to turn routine plays.

The catcher debate heats up as Henry Davis, Endy Rodriguez, Rafael Flores, and Joey Bart jockey for position behind the plate. Which backstop can provide the right blend of power, consistency, and defensive reliability to steady the Pirates’ rotation? Discussions touch on...

Oneil Cruz belted a solo home run off Padres super closer Mason Miller in the 9th inning to give the Pirates their second straight victory. This game featured Paul Skenes and Michael King locked in an old fashioned pitching duel. Skenes went six scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks. He received a no-decision but this outing was the best he’s looked in a month. Mason Montgomery shut the door on the Padres for his 6th save this season.

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The Pirates battled back after blowing a 2-1 lead and a nice Ashcraft outing to win 3-2 in 12 innings of a wild affair in San Diego. Neither team scored a run in the 10th or 11th innings. Nick Gonzales' RBI single in the top of the 12th to score Jared Triolo gave the Pirates the lead and the win. Esmerlyn Valdez opened the scoring in the 6th inning when he belted his 15th home run of the season. The victory snaps the Pirates losing streak at three games.

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Pittsburgh Pirates fans call for a total reset—should the front office and coaching staff be fired after another underwhelming season? Gary Morgan tackles the big question, weighing the cases for Don Kelly, Bill Murphy, and GM Ben Charrington amid persistent struggles and questionable leadership. Recent moves by rivals like the Astros and Marlins put more pressure on the Pirates to spark change and shed a losing mentality.

Key topics include Don Kelly’s lineup decisions, bullpen management woes, and the impact of Charrington’s roster strategies on player development. The discussion spotlights O’Neil Cruz’s electrifyi...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff hopes stall as offensive woes persist, especially against left-handed aces like Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell. Are lineup decisions hurting their scoring chances? Gary Morgan questions the Pirates’ obsession with handedness, arguing that benching top hitters like Oneil Cruz in favor of right-handed bats could be stifling run production at the worst possible moments.

Digging into third base, Gary Morgan spotlights Nick Gonzalez, Jared Triolo, and the Pirates’ struggle to find both offense and defense at the hot corner. Is it time for a shakeup? Other key topics include the impact of leadership decisions, linger...

The Pirates were shut down by Dodgers starter Blake Snell in a 4-0 loss to be swept by the Dodgers and drop a season-worst 6 games under .500. Snell fired six shutout innings with just two hits allowed while striking out six. The Pirates had another bullpen game where Lake Bachar started and gave up one run in two innings and then Carmen Mlodzinski continued his awful stretch with three runs allowed in three innings. The Bucs couldn’t do anything against the Dodgers bullpen either finishing the game with two lousy singles.

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Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Dodgers. Jared Jones would pitch three strong innings in an LA homecoming but would struggle to get through the 4th. Yohan Ramirez would struggle after in the 5th inning where the Dodgers would take the lead. The Pirates offense struck early off of Tarik Skubal, but the CY Young winner locked in after some early issues. The Pirates will look to salvage game three tomorrow.

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The Pirates rallied to force extra innings, but failed to score in the top of the 10th inning and the Dodgers walked it off on the Pirates in a 5-4 loss. The Pirates scored two runs early off of Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the Dodgers rallied for four runs off Bubba Chandler. Chandler struck out six batters, but allowed four runs in just four innings of work. Meanwhile, Yamamoto struck out nine in 6.1 innings. Oneil Cruz belted a game-tying two-run homer in the 8th inning to help force extras.

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Pittsburgh Pirates face season-defining road trip—can they claw back into the playoff race or is it time to focus on 2027? Gary Morgan spotlights the team’s three-series showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals, sizing up wild card stakes and where the Pirates stand against direct rivals.

Key topics include first base production, with Ryan O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz under the microscope, the struggles and future of Esmerlin Valdez, and the importance of improved situational hitting. Gary answers pressing fan questions about coaching accountability, the evolving roles of Jared Triolo...

Pittsburgh Pirates ignite a catching controversy as Rafael Flores Jr. makes history with two clutch home runs in a single game, pushing the team to a pivotal series win. Is Flores ready to seize the starting role, or do Henry Davis’s elite defensive skills still anchor the position? Gary Morgan breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of the Pirates' catching group, examines Endy Rodriguez’s health concerns, and considers whether a three-catcher roster could reshape Pittsburgh’s lineup next season. Paul Skenes’ recent velocity dip and Kurt Schilling’s mechanical critiques spark debate about the ace’s long-term workload. Me...

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft turns back the clock with a two-start stretch straight out of baseball’s golden era. Can his jaw-dropping efficiency and command turn the Pirates’ rotation conversation on its head? Gary Morgan breaks down Ashcraft’s complete game dominance, Mason Montgomery’s emergence as a bullpen weapon, and the ripple effects on Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.

Oneil Cruz makes an explosive return, reminding fans what the Pirates lineup has been missing, while Jake Mangum’s future role sparks debate. Key topics include Nick Gonzales’ defensive struggles, the looming question marks around Paul Skenes’ mechanics and Mi...

Nathan breaks down game two of the series between the Pirates and Tigers. Braxton Ashcraft for the second straight outing was as efficient as ever. Ashcraft would get through 8 innings of work while only allowing 1 run and throwing only 80 pitches. Oneil Cruz in his return to the lineup hit his first Cruz Missile since his injury that took him out for 2 months of action. The Pirates will look to take the series against the Tigers tomorrow afternoon.

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Pittsburgh Pirates’ stubborn stance on Carmen Mlodzinski’s role could be costing them wins. Will clinging to failed experiments and questionable game management derail their playoff ambitions?

Gary Morgan breaks down why the Pirates must end the Carmen Mlodzinski starting pitcher experiment—pointing to alarming ERA numbers, bullpen strain, and smarter alternatives like Lake Bacar. The analysis spotlights recent pinch-hitting blunders, and challenges rigid lefty-righty matchups that keep Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz out of key moments. Key topics include the Pirates’ stalled roster development, the need for an outside starter, and the danger of always focusing on tomor...

Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Tigers. In Carmen Mlodzinski's 3rd straight start, he continued to struggle. Mlodzinski would allow 4 runs in 3 innings of work. The offense would try to battle back from an 8-1 deficit, but the hole was too large to dig out of. The Pirates will look to bounce back in game two tomorrow.

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