North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

The Pittsburgh Pirates were embarrassed again, falling 6-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies in a game that felt over almost immediately. Bubba Chandler struggled from the jump, Bryce Harper delivered the early blow, and Christopher Sanchez completely shut down the Pirates offense with a dominant complete-game performance. Tyler and Anthony DiNardo break down another ugly Pirates loss, Chandler’s continued issues, the lack of offensive response, the team’s growing roster concerns, Ryan O’Hearn leaving with a quad issue, and why the same offseason concerns are starting to show up in real time. Are Bubba Chandler’s struggles becoming a serious problem for the Pirates? And how much longer can Pittsburgh survive these obvious roster flaws? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, postgame reaction, analysis, and more. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Bucs On Deck, Jim and Anthony Murphy break down Jhostynxon “The Password” Garcia, one of the most intriguing outfielders in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. Garcia came over from the Boston Red Sox in the Johan Oviedo trade and has already shown why the Pirates were interested. He brings real raw power, the ability to play all three outfield spots, legitimate center-field defense, and enough athleticism to be more than a one-dimensional corner bat. The big question is whether the chase and swing-and-miss concerns will limit his ceiling, or if his power and defensive floor can make him a real piece for Pittsburgh. After a slow start, a back injury, a strong rehab stint in Bradenton, and a huge return to Indianapolis, Garcia is starting to look like someone who could push for a role sooner rather than later. Could Garcia be a fourth outfielder? A platoon weapon against left-handed pitching? Or something more? Subscribe to the Bucs On Deck Substack: https://bucsondeck.substack.com/ Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pittsburgh Pirates prospect coverage, MLB analysis, and weekly Bucs On Deck episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had this game in their hands, and then the bullpen completely gave it away. On tonight’s NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers, DiNardo and Jim break down the Pirates’ brutal 11-9 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies after blowing leads of 6-0 and 8-3. The offense did its job, Braxton Ashcraft gave them enough to win, but the late innings turned into a disaster as Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana could not close the door. This episode dives into the growing concern around the Pirates bullpen, whether Ben Cherington needs to act quickly, how much blame belongs on Don Kelly, and why losses like this matter when the Pirates are trying to stay in the NL Wild Card picture. The Pirates have shown they can hit. The rotation has been strong. But if the bullpen keeps melting down, it may not matter. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for Pirates postgame coverage, live shows, analysis, and reaction all season long. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan O’Hearn helped power the Pittsburgh Pirates to a series win over the Colorado Rockies, and his recent swing adjustments may be a major sign for an offense that looks dramatically different from last season. Alex Stumpf breaks down how O’Hearn has fit into the Pirates lineup, why his left-handed power and defensive versatility have mattered, and how the additions of O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna and Konnor Griffin have helped create a deeper, more consistent offense. Plus, a look at why this Pirates lineup is no longer completely dependent on Bryan Reynolds or Oneil Cruz carrying the entire group. Read Alex Stumpf’s work at Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, interviews and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jared Jones is eligible to return from the IL on May 25, and all signs point toward that happening soon. But the bigger question around the Pirates is not just when he returns, it is what role he returns to. On tonight’s NS9LIVE!, we dive into Jones’ upcoming return, the recent bullpen question he brushed off, the reaction to his demeanor, and the fact that both Ben Cherington and Don Kelly have avoided giving a direct short-term answer about his role. Long term, everyone agrees Jones is a starter. But short term? That answer has been much less clear. We make the case for why Jones should come back into the rotation, what that would mean for Carmen Mlodzinski moving to the bullpen, and how that move could strengthen two areas of the roster at once. Plus, we get into the bullpen itself and the rise of lefties Evan Sisk and Mason Montgomery. With so many struggles from the relief group, is it time for the Pirates to start trusting those two in bigger spots? And, of course, we kick things off with the NS9 Really Stupid Question. @eddiep_photos TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cody and Doug breakdown the action from the Pirates chilly day game win over the Rockies! Don Kelly's Opener approach prevails, and the Buc's offense stays hot! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen has been searching for answers, and Brandan Bidois is now getting his first real opportunity in the big leagues. On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down Bidois’ promotion, why the timing raised some questions, and what makes the Pirates’ young reliever such an interesting arm. Bidois was the Pirates’ 2025 Minor League Reliever of the Year and brings a unique high arm angle, mid-90s fastball, and a different look that could give hitters problems. But with Pittsburgh’s right-handed relief group struggling, was this call-up about Bidois being fully ready, or simply about the Pirates needing someone to step up right now? Alex also looks at the state of the bullpen, why the Pirates may still need outside additions, and how Bidois could fit into a group that badly needs stability. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, interviews, and more. Read Alex’s work at Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates looked like they were in complete control against the Colorado Rockies, with Mitch Keller perfect through four innings and the offense jumping out to an early 3-0 lead. Then everything unraveled. Jim and Neil break down the Pirates’ frustrating 10-4 loss, Keller’s six-run fifth inning, the missed offensive opportunities, and why going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position came back to bite them. They also dive into the continued concerns with the bullpen, including Brandan Bidois’ MLB debut, Justin Lawrence’s ongoing struggles, and whether the Pirates need to make changes soon. Plus, the guys discuss Ryan O’Hearn getting back on track, Konnor Griffin batting second, Mickey Moniak crushing Pittsburgh, and why this is the type of game the Pirates cannot afford to give away in May. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pittsburgh Pirates postgame coverage, analysis, and reaction all season long. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Skenes delivered another dominant start for the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out 10 Colorado Rockies hitters over eight scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. Alex Stumpf breaks down why this may have been Skenes’ best start of the season, how his pitch mix helped him overwhelm Colorado, and why Don Kelly made the right call by not sending him back out for the ninth inning. The discussion also gets into Skenes’ pursuit of his first true nine-inning complete game, how the Pirates should manage his workload, and why keeping him fresh for the full season matters more than chasing an individual stat in mid-May. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, and check out Book-Rule Bucs on Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Skenes is no longer just the Pirates’ ace. He might be the best pitcher alive. Paul Skenes delivered another ridiculous performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, going eight dominant innings and continuing to build a real case as the best pitcher in baseball. DiNardo and Doug break down Skenes’ latest masterpiece, his absurd season numbers, why his efficiency matters, and how his presence changes the entire outlook for the Pirates. They also discuss a strong day across the Pirates organization, including Jared Jones throwing four shutout innings, Justin Garcia’s monster game, Murf Gray staying hot, Oneil Cruz continuing to produce, and why this team suddenly feels a whole lot more legit. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for Pirates coverage all season long. @eddiep_photos TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Hernandez is wasting no time making noise in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. After dominating in Low-A with eye-opening strikeout numbers, an ERA under one, and three secondary pitches producing massive whiff rates, Hernandez has already earned a promotion to High-A Greensboro. On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down why Hernandez’s stuff has been so overwhelming, what makes his fastball-changeup-slider-curveball mix so advanced, and why Greensboro could be the next real test in his development. He also looks at whether Hernandez could follow a Konnor Griffin-style rise through the system and potentially reach Altoona before the end of the year. For more Pirates coverage, check out Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates talk, prospect coverage, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates offense has been night and day compared to last season. They’re top five in baseball in runs scored, and six everyday players currently have a wRC+ of 115 or higher. On this episode of Bucco Brew, we break down what has changed, how real this offensive surge feels, and why this version of the Pirates looks so much more dangerous. We also give Braxton Ashcraft the love he deserves. With a 2.77 ERA and the team lead in innings pitched, Ashcraft has been one of the best stories of the Pirates season. If Paul Skenes wasn’t in the same rotation, we might be talking about Ashcraft as the ace of this staff. Then we get into the biggest concern right now: the bullpen. Gregory Soto has been lights out, but beyond him, who do you actually trust? Dennis Santana and the rest of this group have been more than inconsistent lately, and the Pirates need answers fast. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates had a series win, a winning road trip, and another very winnable game slip through their fingers. On today’s episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down the Pirates’ frustrating extra-inning loss, why Don Kelly made the right call going to the bullpen after Bubba Chandler’s outing, and why the bigger issue is what happened next. Gregory Soto has been outstanding. Mason Montgomery has carved out a real role. But beyond that, the Pirates’ bullpen depth — especially from the right-handed side — is becoming a real concern. Dennis Santana is struggling, Yohan Ramirez had a rough road trip, Justin Lawrence has had issues, and the internal fixes are not obvious. If the Pirates are serious about competing, this may be a problem they cannot wait until the trade deadline to address. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com @eddiep_photos TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped the series finale against the San Francisco Giants in a frustrating game that felt very much within reach. Bubba Chandler gave the Pirates a chance, the offense created traffic, and the team had multiple opportunities to take control — but missed chances, defensive mistakes, and more bullpen concerns proved costly. On this NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers, Anthony and Doug break down where the game went wrong, the Pirates going just 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position, Ryan O’Hearn’s rough defensive moments, Don Kelly’s bullpen decisions, and the growing concern around Dennis Santana. They also discuss Gregory Soto’s role, Montgomery trust levels, and why this bullpen may need help sooner rather than later. The Pirates are still playing solid baseball overall, but losses like this are the ones that sting — especially when the issues are starting to look familiar. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, postgame reaction, prospect talk, and honest conversation from Pirates fans who live this every day. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally got the offensive explosion they were waiting for, putting up 13 runs and 20 hits in a blowout win over the San Francisco Giants. Tyler and Neil break down the Pirates’ massive night at the plate, another dominant start from Braxton Ashcraft, Joey Bart’s revenge game, Nick Gonzales continuing to hit, Oneil Cruz coming through against a lefty, and what this win means for the rest of the road trip. The NS9 Postgame Show Powered by Primanti Brothers also looks at how the Pirates are finding ways to win even when the offense had been quiet earlier in the week, why Ashcraft is starting to look like a true top-of-the-rotation arm, and how the lineup suddenly looks much deeper when players like Bart and Gonzales are producing. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Murf Gray has been one of the hottest hitters in the Pirates’ minor league system, and on this week’s Bucs On Deck, Jim and Anthony Murphy break down what makes his early pro performance so interesting. Gray, a competitive balance pick in last year’s draft, is already showing an intriguing offensive profile in Bradenton with power, hard contact, strong bat-to-ball skills, and the type of production that could push him quickly through the system. But the biggest question may be on the defensive side: can he stick at third base, or does a potential move to first base change how we view his prospect ceiling? Jim and Murph dive into Gray’s bat, his contact quality, his defensive outlook, and whether he could become a top-10 prospect in the Pirates system if everything clicks. Watch the full breakdown on Bucs On Deck, part of the North Shore Nine podcast presented by FanDuel. Subscribe to Bucs On Deck Substack: https://bucsondeck.substack.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a late-night game to the San Francisco Giants, and while the offense had its issues, the bigger concern once again came from the middle relief group. Carmen Mlodzinski gave the Pirates six innings and kept them in the game, even if it was not the cleanest or most convincing start. But once the game turned to the bullpen, Justin Lawrence struggled to execute and the Giants opened things up. Anthony DiNardo and Tyler break down whether Don Kelly made the right move, why the blame cannot fall entirely on the manager, and why someone in this bullpen has to step up soon. They also discuss the Pirates’ lineup against a left-handed starter, Jared Triolo leading off, Billy Cook and Nick Yorke getting starts, Oneil Cruz’s baserunning mistake, and the bigger question of whether Ben Cherington needs to look outside the organization for middle relief help. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Gonzales has quietly forced his way into a bigger role for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and suddenly third base is not as simple as Jared Triolo returning from the injured list and taking the job back. On today’s episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf looks at the Pirates’ third base situation, why Gonzales has earned real playing time, and why Triolo’s Gold Glove defense still matters for a team with serious defensive issues elsewhere on the field. The conversation goes beyond offense, digging into how the Pirates can best support a young pitching staff, especially with outfield defense becoming a real concern. Is Nick Gonzales the right everyday answer at third base? Should Jared Triolo be closer to a 50/50 split? And how much should defense matter when the Pirates finally have more offense in the lineup? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, reactions, and conversation all season long. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on NS9LIVE!, we’re starting with the NS9 Really Stupid Question before looking back at some Pirates takes we may need to apologize for. Ty Ty is ready to apologize for saying the Pirates wasted money on Gregory Soto, who has been lights out. DiNardo is walking back even entertaining the idea of trading Mitch Keller. And both are owning up to going under on Brandon Lowe’s season home run total after he just launched his 10th. We’re also taking a bigger look at Donny Ball as Don Kelly reaches 162 games as Pirates manager with an 80-82 record. What has worked? What hasn’t? And what’s still hard to figure out? Plus, we dive into the bullpen and ask whether it’s time to be worried about Dennis Santana, or if this is just a rough stretch in a long season. @eddiep_photos @timelessimagery.mtl TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates took another series, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 behind another strong start from Mitch Keller. DiNardo and Doug break down Keller’s continued reliability, the Pirates’ improved rotation, timely offense from Brandon Lowe and Spencer Horwitz, and why this team feels much different than past versions. The guys also discuss how the Pirates responded after a rough series against St. Louis, why the offense no longer feels completely dependent on one or two players, and what this strong start to the West Coast trip says about the club moving forward. TICKETS FOR OUR JUNE 13TH TAILGATE: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Northshore9tailgate0613 Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jared Jones made his second rehab start with Indianapolis, and while the box score was not perfect, the bigger takeaway was clear: the power stuff is still there, the fastball touched 100 MPH, and he got through the outing healthy. Now the Pirates have a real decision coming. On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down Jones’ rehab outing, why the bullpen conversation exists, and why moving him into a relief role may not be as simple as it sounds. From workload concerns to late-inning transition challenges to the value of keeping him on a starter’s schedule, this episode looks at both possible paths for Jones when he returns to Pittsburgh. Could Jared Jones be an impact reliever in 2026? Maybe. But should the Pirates prioritize his long-term role as a starting pitcher? That is the real debate. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Skenes delivered another dominant performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, throwing eight shutout innings with seven strikeouts and no walks in a 1-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jim and Neil break down just how special Skenes has been, why this start was exactly what the Pirates needed after a rough loss, and how his historic numbers continue to stack up against some of the best pitchers of the live ball era. The offense, however, remains a concern. Brandon Lowe’s first-inning home run was the only run of the night, as the Pirates went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and missed multiple chances to give Skenes more breathing room. The guys discuss Lowe’s impact, Spencer Horwitz’s costly baserunning mistake, Konnor Griffin’s continued production, Henry Davis behind the plate, Gregory Soto closing it out, and what the Pirates need to clean up heading into the series finale. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Skenes is still one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, but Alex Stumpf thinks there may be an even better version hiding underneath the current results. In today’s OffBeat, Alex breaks down how Skenes’ pitch mix has evolved in 2026, why the changeup usage has exploded, where the curveball disappeared to, and whether the Pirates ace is relying too heavily on the fastball/changeup combination instead of utilizing his full arsenal. Is this just natural evolution for an elite pitcher… or is the best version of Paul Skenes still ahead of us? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, and conversation. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates opened their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with an ugly 9-0 loss, and this one got away early. Jim and Neil break down a rough first inning that featured defensive mistakes from the Pirates’ outfield, including more concern around Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz playing together defensively. They also discuss Bubba Chandler’s strange outing, where he walked six but still battled through five innings and kept the Pirates within reach before the bullpen let things fully unravel. Yohan Ramirez struggled, Evan Sisk helped save the bullpen, Dennis Santana had another rough appearance, and Konnor Griffin provided one of the few bright spots with a 415-foot double that somehow stayed in the park. It was a bad night in Arizona, but the Pirates have Paul Skenes on the mound tomorrow with a chance to flush it quickly. Presented by FanDuel. NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Konnor Griffin is heating up, and this stretch feels like more than just a hot week at the plate. On today’s episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down Griffin’s strong series against the Reds, his recent 10-game surge, and the swing adjustments that may be helping the Pirates’ young shortstop settle into the major leagues. From simplifying his leg kick to quieting his hands and getting himself into a better position to hit, Griffin is showing real signs of growth at just 20 years old. Alex also explains why the biggest takeaway may not be the results themselves, but the process behind them: Griffin’s work ethic, self-awareness, willingness to adjust, and ability to keep things simple while learning on the fly in Pittsburgh. Is this the beginning of Konnor Griffin becoming the player the Pirates believed he could be? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, and conversation. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Bucco Brew, we’re diving into Konnor Griffin and the way he has started to heat up since turning 20. Is this just a hot stretch, or are we watching him begin to develop into the type of player the Pirates believed they were getting? We also talk through a massive bounce-back weekend for the Pirates. After getting swept in four games by the Cardinals, they responded by sweeping the Reds, who entered the series in first place, and outscored Cincinnati 28-7 across the weekend. That is how you answer a bad series. Then we look ahead to a tough west coast road trip against the Diamondbacks and Giants, a type of trip that has not historically treated the Pirates well. Can they keep the momentum going, or is this where things get tested again? @eddiep_photos Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What a difference a weekend makes. After getting swept by the Cardinals and losing five straight, the Pittsburgh Pirates badly needed a response. They got one in a big way, sweeping the Reds at PNC Park and flipping the entire tone around this team. On today’s episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down how the Pirates bounced back, why the Reds series felt bigger than a normal early-May matchup, and how performances from Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, Gregory Soto, Oneil Cruz, Joey Bart, and Konnor Griffin showed the most optimistic version of what this Pirates team can be. The Pirates still have plenty to prove, especially with a West Coast road trip against the Diamondbacks and Giants coming up, but after a rough Cardinals series, this was exactly the kind of answer they needed. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, reactions, analysis, and conversation all season long. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates needed a response after a rough Cardinals series, and they got exactly that with a weekend sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. On this NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers, Tyler and Jim break down the Pirates’ 1-0 win, led by a career-best outing from Braxton Ashcraft. Ashcraft went 7.2 scoreless innings, leaned heavily on a dominant curveball, and continued making the case that he has become Pittsburgh’s clear No. 2 starter behind Paul Skenes. The guys also discuss Gregory Soto coming up huge out of the bullpen, Chase Burns matching Ashcraft pitch-for-pitch, Konnor Griffin’s late double and speed changing the game, and Oneil Cruz delivering the biggest swing of the night with a two-out RBI single in the eighth. After getting swept by St. Louis, the Pirates turned around and swept the Reds while outscoring them 27-8 over the series. Now they head west with some momentum, a much cleaner feeling around the homestand, and a pitching staff that once again carried the day. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates bounced back in a massive way, crushing the Cincinnati Reds in a 17-7 win on the NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Bros. Anthony DiNardo and Neil break down one of the wildest offensive performances of the season as the Pirates put up 19 hits, drew 11 walks, scored five runs without putting a ball in play, and watched Cincinnati’s pitching staff completely unravel. The guys discuss the Pirates’ response after a rough Cardinals series, Konnor Griffin’s big four-hit game, Oneil Cruz, Carmen Mlodzisnki's outing, the Reds’ meltdown, and why this win felt so good after a frustrating week. Are the Pirates officially back? Are the Reds actually frauds? Let’s talk about it. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Hernandez is wasting no time showing why the Pirates were thrilled to land him in the first round. On this week’s Bucs On Deck, Jim and Anthony Murphy break down Hernandez’s electric start to his pro career, including his dominant numbers in the Florida State League, overpowering pitch mix, absurd whiff rates, and why his advanced command and changeup separate him from most high school arms. They also discuss how quickly Hernandez could move through the Pirates’ system, why a Greensboro promotion may not be far away, how he compares to past prep pitching prospects, and whether he could eventually become the top pitching prospect in all of baseball. With Konnor Griffin and Bubba Chandler graduating from prospect lists, Hernandez may be next in line as the Pirates’ premier prospect. Subscribe to Bucs On Deck: https://bucsondeck.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler and Jim are back on the NS9 Postgame Show after the Pirates finally snapped their five-game losing streak with a 9-1 beatdown of the first-place Cincinnati Reds. Mitch Keller delivered exactly what Pittsburgh needed with seven strong innings, Bryan Reynolds set the tone early, Henry Davis launched two home runs, and Marcell Ozuna finally got one to leave the yard as the offense broke out in a big way. After a brutal week, the Pirates gave themselves and the fan base a much-needed reset. Tyler and Jim break down Keller’s night, the offense piling on, Nick Gonzales continuing to produce, and why this series against Cincinnati is a chance to bury a division rival. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates ended April with a five-game losing streak, a sweep at home against the St. Louis Cardinals, and a lot more questions than they had just one week ago. On this episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down how the Pirates went from 16-11 and right in the thick of the NL Central race to 16-16 and last place in the division. Paul Skenes struggled against the Cardinals again, the defense cost the pitching staff more outs, the offense missed chances with runners in scoring position, and the bullpen issues continued to show up at the worst possible time. Alex also looks at Don Kelly’s “we got punched” comment, what it means for the Pirates to punch back, and why the upcoming Reds series already feels like an important early-season test. Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Brian Reynolds, Marcell Ozuna, Spencer Horwitz, Konnor Griffin, Henry Davis, and Isaac Mattson are all part of the bigger conversation. Are the Pirates still a good team going through a rough stretch, or did this Cardinals series expose something real? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates just got swept at home by the St. Louis Cardinals, dropped five straight games, and fell back to 16-16 after what had been a promising April. So now the question is simple: are the Pirates actually in trouble? On this episode of NS9LIVE!, DiNardo, Tyler, and Jim each bring one reason why Pirates fans should not be overly concerned and one reason why the sky might actually be falling. The conversation hits on the thin margins around this team, the state of the NL Central, bullpen concerns, Don Kelly’s recent decision-making, Paul Skenes not stopping the skid, Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, roster depth, and whether this team is simply showing us exactly who they are. The Pirates are still right in the mix, but this losing streak exposed a lot. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, postgame shows, prospect talk, and honest conversation all season long. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates drop their 5th straight game as they fall to the Cardinals 10-5. Cody and Doug breakdown the action and vent some frustration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates dropped their fourth straight game with a 5-4 loss to the Cardinals, putting a rough finish on what had been a promising month of April. Alex Stumpf breaks down the key late-game at-bats, why Marcelo Ozuna’s struggles are becoming harder to dismiss, and how his lack of production in the middle of the order is impacting an offense that has become too top-heavy. With Paul Skenes set to take the mound next, the Pirates still have a chance to stop the skid and finish April on a better note. But after one of the roughest offensive months by a Pirates hitter in recent memory, the question is fair: how much longer can the Pirates wait for Ozuna to figure it out? Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pirates coverage, analysis, and reaction all season long. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com @eddiep_photos Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped their fourth straight game, falling 5-4 to the St. Louis Cardinals in another frustrating loss that felt there for the taking. Tyler and Doug break down Bubba Chandler’s uneven start, Don Kelly’s bullpen management, the decision to go to Evan Sisk and Chris Devenski in a tight game, and why the Pirates’ lack of urgency stood out during a rough stretch against the NL Central. They also discuss the continued concerns with Brian Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and Marcell Ozuna, Nick Yorke’s big pinch-hit moment, Nick Gonzales nearly walking it off, and why Paul Skenes now feels like the guy who has to stop the bleeding. The Pirates are still above .500, but this losing streak is starting to expose some real issues with the rotation, bullpen, lineup construction and late-game decision-making. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for Pirates postgame shows, analysis, and year-round coverage. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates dropped their third straight game, falling to the Cardinals again as their first real losing streak of the season begins to take shape. Alex Stumpf breaks down Braxton Ashcraft’s rough outing after being activated from the bereavement list, Hunter Barco eating 4.2 innings after a brutal travel day, and why the Pirates badly needed someone to save a depleted bullpen. There were at least some offensive signs late, with Oneil Cruz homering after returning from illness, Ryan O’Hearn continuing to hit, and Konnor Griffin putting together one of his better swings with a ninth-inning home run. But the bigger question now is whether the Pirates’ starting rotation can do what this team needs most: prevent a three-game skid from turning into something much worse. With Bubba Chandler and Paul Skenes lined up next, this is the kind of stretch that can tell us a lot about how real this Pirates team might be. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pirates coverage, podcasts, and postgame reaction all season long. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped their third straight game in an 11-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, wasting a night where the offense hit three home runs and put up enough runs to win most games. Jim and Doug break down Braxton Ashcraft’s rough start coming off the bereavement list, Hunter Barco being forced to wear nearly five innings out of the bullpen, and why the Pirates’ middle relief situation is becoming a real concern. They also discuss Oneil Cruz launching his ninth home run of the season, Ryan O’Hearn continuing to produce, Nick Gonzales extending his hitting streak, and Konnor Griffin looking more comfortable at the plate with another impressive homer. The offense did its job, but four double plays, too many walks, and a depleted bullpen made this one tough to survive. Now the Pirates need Bubba Chandler to come through and stop the slide before this Cardinals series gets away from them. Watch or listen to the full NS9 Postgame Show for the complete breakdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a chance to turn Monday night into one of the best feel-good wins of the season. Instead, it became another frustrating loss that slipped away late. Alex Stumpf breaks down the Pirates’ 4-2 loss to the Cardinals, where Mason Montgomery, Justin Lawrence, and Wilber Dotel helped carry a near-perfect bullpen game into the seventh inning. Dotel, in particular, looked outstanding and was in line for a memorable night before the ninth inning unraveled. Dennis Santana has been one of the Pirates’ most reliable arms, but this was not his night. Alex discusses what went wrong with Santana’s slider, why this loss stings beyond just one game, and how these missed opportunities are starting to stack up in a tight NL Central race. Plus, Alex looks at the bigger picture: why this Pirates roster feels real, where the concerns still are, and why games like this matter even in April. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pittsburgh Pirates coverage, analysis, and conversation all season long. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were cruising toward another strong NL Central win before everything unraveled in the 9th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. Neil and DiNardo break down a brutal late-game collapse, Dennis Santana’s rare meltdown, the decision-making around the bullpen game, whether Don Kelly deserves blame, and why pulling Wilber Dotel after four strong innings became a major talking point after the loss. They also get into the Pirates offense going quiet after the early runs, Jake Mangum’s costly baserunning mistake, Marcelo Ozuna’s continued struggles, and why this loss stings more because of where the Pirates are in the standings and how big this week is against the Cardinals and Reds. It was a frustrating one, but the Pirates are still in a good spot. Now the question is how quickly they can respond. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for Pirates postgame shows, analysis, and year-round coverage. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates just took two out of three from the Milwaukee Brewers, and now their biggest week of the season is here. On today’s Bucco Brew, we break down why this seven-game homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds could be a real early-season measuring stick in the NL Central. The Pirates have been stacking series wins, playing better baseball, and now have a chance to create separation in a division where every team is currently above .500. We also dive into Nick Gonzales’ recent stretch, Oneil Cruz’s role at the top of the lineup, the Pirates’ production with runners in scoring position, and why the bullpen has started to look much more stable after a shaky start. Mason Montgomery, Yohan Ramirez, Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Isaac Mattson and the rest of the relief group have helped turn one of the early concerns into a much better-looking part of the roster. Are the Pirates ready to prove they’re a real NL Central contender? @eddiep_photos @timelessimagery.mtl Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jared Jones is getting closer to returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his first rehab start with Bradenton could put him on track to rejoin the rotation by late May. But once Jones is ready, the Pirates will have a real decision to make. Alex Stumpf breaks down where Jones fits, why his fastball/slider combo still gives the Pirates a different look, and how his return could impact Carmen Mlodzinski’s role. Could Mlodzinski move back to the bullpen? Should the Pirates use an opener with him? Is a six-man rotation realistic? And how much should Pittsburgh value starting pitching depth while leaning on one of the most talented rotations of the Ben Cherington era? On today’s OffBeat, we look at the Pirates’ upcoming rotation crunch and why Jared Jones’ return could be both a huge boost and a difficult roster decision. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ZY250XUYiS-yX7xOQCdLA/join Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates missed a chance to sweep the Milwaukee Brewers, falling 5-0 in a rough offensive showing at American Family Field. Jim and DiNardo break down a game where the Pirates managed just two hits, struck out 18 times, and had no answer for Kyle Harrison, who dominated over six shutout innings. They also discuss the Sunday lineup decisions, Joey Bart’s continued struggles, whether Rafael Flores should become part of the catching conversation, and Carmen Mlodzinski’s second straight shaky start. Even with the ugly loss, the Pirates still took two of three in Milwaukee, finished the road trip 3-3, and are now 6-3 against NL Central opponents, all on the road. So how much should fans actually worry about one bad game? The guys also touch on the bullpen’s strong road trip, the upcoming Cardinals series, Mason Montgomery opening tomorrow, and why the bigger picture still looks much better than the final score did today. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pirates survive in Milwaukee and take another road series from an NL Central opponent. Tyler and Neil break down the 6-3 extra-inning win over the Brewers, including Mitch Keller’s steady start, Don Kelly’s quick hook to Isaac Mattson, another strong night from the bullpen, and how the offense found a way against Jacob Misiorowski’s ridiculous velocity. Plus, Konnor Griffin keeps showing signs, Nick Gonzales keeps finding RBIs, and the Pirates move to 16-11 with another win that feels a little more real than lucky. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pirates postgame coverage, analysis, and daily conversation all season long. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4776784802611200 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Edward Florentino has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system, and this week on Bucs On Deck, Jim and Anthony Murphy take a closer look at why the young outfield prospect is generating so much attention. After a huge 2025 breakout between the complex league and Bradenton, Florentino is already viewed as one of the Pirates’ top prospects and one of the more intriguing young hitters in the organization. The guys discuss his advanced approach, power potential, ability to lift the baseball, strong contact numbers, center field outlook, and what he still needs to prove as he moves toward Greensboro. They also dive into how Florentino compares to recent Pirates prospect risers like Konnor Griffin, what his platoon splits against left-handed pitching could mean, and whether he has a chance to move quickly through the system this season. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pittsburgh Pirates prospect coverage every Saturday morning on Bucs On Deck. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Skenes was nearly perfect, Konnor Griffin had the first big moment of his young career, and the Pirates rolled to a 6-0 win over the Brewers in a massive early-season NL Central matchup. On this NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Bros., DiNardo and Tyler break down Skenes taking a perfect game into the seventh inning, how efficient and dominant he looked, and why a no-hitter feels like it is only a matter of time. They also dive into Konnor Griffin’s huge 20th birthday performance, including his home run, three-hit night, stolen base, and what it means to see him start building confidence at the MLB level. Plus, the guys discuss the Pirates’ aggressive style of play, Tony Beasley sending runners, the Brewers looking sloppy defensively, Nick Gonzales continuing to come through in key spots, and why this win felt like a real glimpse at what this Pirates team can become. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pirates postgame coverage, analysis, and daily conversation all season long. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a much better start, but there’s one problem: the rest of the NL Central looks good, too. On this episode of OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down why the Pirates’ path to the postseason may be tougher than expected, even if they continue playing competitive baseball. The Cardinals are young and interesting, the Reds have a similar pitching-first formula, the Cubs have high-end offensive talent, and the Brewers remain the team Alex refuses to doubt until they’re officially out of it. Alex ranks the biggest NL Central threats to the Pirates, explains why Milwaukee still feels like the division favorite, and looks at how Pittsburgh stacks up in a race that could legitimately produce multiple playoff teams. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for daily Pirates coverage, analysis, and insight from Alex Stumpf. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates dropped the series finale to the Texas Rangers, losing 6-1 on a rough night against Jacob deGrom. Bubba Chandler battled traffic early before Texas broke the game open, while Oneil Cruz provided the lone Pirates run with his eighth home run of the season. Jim and Neil break down Chandler’s command issues, why this start should not create panic, Konnor Griffin’s early MLB adjustment period, the missed bases-loaded chance in the sixth, and why the Pirates still sit in a good spot despite losing two of three in Texas. They also look ahead to the Milwaukee series with Paul Skenes set to take the mound. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Braxton Ashcraft turned in one of the best starts by a Pirates pitcher this season, and Alex Stumpf breaks down why it mattered far beyond the box score. From the efficiency, to the pitch mix, to the in-game adjustments, this episode of OffBeat looks at why Ashcraft’s latest outing felt like a major step forward. Alex dives into Ashcraft’s seven-inning performance, how his slider and sinker worked together, why his ability to self-correct stood out, and what this could mean for the Pirates rotation moving forward. If Braxton Ashcraft keeps pitching like this, the conversation around his role in Pittsburgh is only going to get louder. Subscribe to North Shore Nine for more Pirates coverage, analysis, and daily insight from Alex Stumpf. Subscribe to Book-Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates answered in a big way in Texas. Jim and Neil break down Pittsburgh’s 8-4 win over the Rangers, highlighted by a four-run ninth inning, another huge night from the lineup, and a dominant seven-inning outing from Braxton Ashcraft. They also dive into Oneil Cruz’s absolute missile off the foul pole, key production from Bryan Reynolds, Brandon Lowe, and Marcelo Ozuna, and what this win means heading into the rubber match against Jacob deGrom. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m #pittsburghpirates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.