Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

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 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 electrifying return, the stagnation of key pitchers, and the ongoing debate over lefty-righty matchups. As Pittsburgh faces organizational crossroads and looks ahead to potential front office and clubhouse shakeups, Morgan asks: Is a fresh start the only path to break the cycle and build a winning culture at PNC Park?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

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 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, lingering frustration from unmet playoff expectations, and the uncertainty looming over the 2027 MLB season. Can the Pirates finally build a consistent contender, or will organizational missteps and league-wide uncertainty hold them back?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

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 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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

5-Hour ENERGY

Indeed

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 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.

Gametime

Clutch Parlays

Stance

5-Hour ENERGY

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

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

Dose Daily

5-Hour ENERGY

Clutch Parlays

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 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 and Jacob Gonzalez, and why underdog loyalty keeps the Pittsburgh Pirates’ fanbase hopeful through ups and downs. Can the Bucs ignite momentum, or are bigger shakeups looming for the roster and front office?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

Dose Daily

5-Hour ENERGY

Clutch Parlays

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 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. Meanwhile, Mason Montgomery emerges as the Pirates’ bullpen weapon, drawing Mason Miller comparisons and raising strategic questions about his best role. With looming roster battles and shifting bullpen dynamics, the Pirates face tough decisions heading into the offseason. Can this mix of rising stars and unsung talent fuel a breakthrough for Pittsburgh?

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

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 Mitch Keller’s injury, and intriguing fan questions about Roberto Clemente’s legacy and the Pirates’ standing if they played in the AL. Don’t miss this hard-hitting analysis of Pittsburgh Pirates’ most pressing storylines as the season winds down.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Amazon

Clutch Parlays

Stance

Dose Daily

5-Hour ENERGY

Clutch Parlays

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 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.

Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.

This Back To School Season, spend less on your kids, with Amazon. With Amazon’s low Back To School Prices, just spend less on your kids. Because every dollar you don’t spend on them, is a dollar you haven’t spent on them. 

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