Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

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

Relive the top 10 moments in Pirates history, from Bill Mazeroski’s legendary 1960 walk-off to Roberto Clemente’s unforgettable 3,000th hit. Gary Morgan explores the deep bonds between baseball and America, connecting iconic Pirates eras with the enduring hope that defines the game—and the nation. Can the Pirates’ fireworks on the field deliver a new chapter in the team’s storied legacy this Fourth of July?

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Key topics include the Pirates’ approach to lineup decisions against left-handed pitchers, the fairness of pitching coach criticism, and creative trade proposals involving Ryan O’Hearn. Gary Morgan also discusses the collective nature of team accountability, debates Don Kelly’s managerial future, and explores how analytics shape daily lineup choices. Is there a quick fix for Pittsburgh’s pitching woes, or do deeper organizational shifts need to happen for the Pirates to escape mediocrity?

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Key topics include critical bullpen concerns, a bold list of MLB trade targets—from Luke Weaver to Aroldis Chapman—and how the Pirates’ roster depth could shape their 2026 outlook. Gary Morgan questions the conventional lefty/righty platoon approach, analyzes Brandon Lowe’s impact, and explores the club’s willingness to trade competitive balance picks to address urgent needs. Can Paul Skenes end the Pirates’ unlucky streak and help prove this team belongs among contenders?

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nathan breaks down game two of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. Cristopher Sanchez yet again had a stellar outing against the Pirates this year, as the bats couldn't get anything going. Bubba Chandler put together a solid effort but was given no run support. Paul Skenes will take the mound tomorrow.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Pirates defense faces a critical crossroads as outfield struggles and mounting errors threaten their playoff hopes. Can stars like Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin return in time to stabilize a unit that’s been bailed out by the infield’s solid play, or will the cost of sacrificing offense for defense prove too high? Gary Morgan breaks down tough choices facing Don Kelly, from whether Henry Davis or Endy Rodriguez should anchor behind the plate to why defensive replacements aren’t always a clear fix.

Roster strategy takes center stage with sharp analysis of trade deadline rumors, the offensive breakout led by Nick Gonzales, and whether chasing a big bat is worth the prospect capital. McCutchen’s future, Ben Cherington’s trade track record, and the front office’s offseason pitching gamble come under the microscope. Is the Pirates’ biggest problem still on the mound, or does every solution risk creating another hole?

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nathan breaks down game one of the four game series between the Pirates and Phillies. The Pirates offense came back to defeat the Phillies after falling down 5-0 early in the ballgame. The bullpen gave a scare in the 8th inning, but Endy Rodriguez provided some pop in the 9th to add to the Bucs offensive efforts. Jared Triolo and Esmerlyn Valdez both homered as well. The Pirates will look to take game two tomorrow as Bubba Chandler matches up against Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Pirates face a pitching staff identity crisis as internal conflicts and role confusion threaten their playoff hopes. Can reimagining the bullpen—including a bold proposal to move Jared Jones into the closer role—reverse a string of blown late-game leads and carry the Bucs back into contention?

Gary Morgan examines Don Kelly’s leadership, reconstructs the Pirates’ rotation and bullpen deployment without outside help, and spotlights challenges with player buy-in, especially regarding Carmen Mlodzinski’s availability. The discussion scrutinizes Paul Skenes’ reliance on Henry Davis, Bubba Chandler’s progress, and the bullpen’s lack of killer instinct. With nearly 20 leads lost after the seventh inning, the call for immediate change is urgent. Will these role shifts and mindset adjustments be enough to turn Pittsburgh’s season around and reignite their pursuit of the 2026 playoffs?

Everydayer Club

Amazon

KALSHI

Gametime

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nathan breaks down the series finale between the Pirates and Reds. Ryan O'Hearn, Tyler Callihan, and Esmerlyn Valdez all showed their power in the Pirates win over the Reds. Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Dennis Santana all hunkered down against the Reds. The Pirates will head to Philly to start a 4-game series tomorrow.

Amazon

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.