Locked On Pirates - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates drop 2 of 3 to the Chicago Cubs, leaving fans questioning whether managerial decisions—not talent—are keeping vital wins out of reach. Is Don Kelly’s late-inning bullpen management undermining a promising young roster featuring Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Rafael Flores? Gary Morgan breaks down the consequences of sticking with struggling relievers like Gregory Soto and explores the high-stakes conflict between player development and fighting for a playoff spot.
Key topics include the Pirates’ inability to capitalize on critical moments, the persistent bullpen woes despite additions like Luke Weaver, and how Ben Cherrington’s roster construction and Kelly’s tactical choices could force organizational change. The show tackles fan AMA questions, from success benchmarks to rotation mysteries, and highlights the urgency as the playoff window narrows. Can the Pirates convert their wealth of young talent into genuine contention before it’s too late?

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Nathan breaks down game three of the series between the Pirates and Cubs. The Pirates offense went ahead 1-0 early but then rallied in the 6th inning to grab a lead over the Cubs today. Bubba Chandler had an iffy day in Chicago, but the bullpen was able to back him up. The Pirates will finish their Chicago trip with a 4-2 record as they head to PNC Park for the final time this season.

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The Pirates called upon Gregory Soto to pitch the 8th and stayed with him as he melted down to give up two runs to blow a late lead and lose 4-3. The blown lead spoiled Ryan O’Hearn’s go-ahead 3-run home run in the 6th inning that turned the game on its head giving the Pirates a 3-2 lead. Paul Skenes went seven strong innings with four strikeouts and two runs allowed before the bullpen blew it.
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Nathan breaks down game one of the series between the Pirates and Cubs. The Pirates young rookie pitchers all struggled today. Wilber Dotel, Khristian Curtis, and Antwone Kelly all did not have great welcomes to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. The Bucs offense scored 2 runs off of Shota Imanaga which is a rare occurrence for them to even get one off of them in recent history. The Pirates will send Paul Skenes to the mound tomorrow to face Clay Holmes in game two.

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Pittsburgh Pirates overcome adversity as Jared Jones delivers a dominant start just as the team loses Braxton Ashcraft to right arm discomfort. Is Jones ready to step up as a true co-ace and anchor the rotation in Ashcraft’s absence? Gary Morgan breaks down Jones’ near no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, explores the bullpen’s resurgence with Luke Weaver and Mason Montgomery, and questions whether bullpen games or a call-up could fill the gap in the pitching staff.
Oneil Cruz’s explosive return transforms the Pirates lineup, sparking renewed offensive consistency and defensive improvement in center field. Morgan highlights Cruz’s elite tools, growing plate discipline—especially against lefties—and the difference his presence makes for both the outfield and batting order. Plus, the episode marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th, reflecting on its profound impact on Pittsburgh, the Pirates, and the role of baseball in times of national crisis.

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Amazon
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.
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Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Dose Daily
Ready to give your liver the support it deserves?
Head to https://DoseDaily.co/LOCKEDONMLB or enter LOCKEDONMLB to get 35% off your first subscription.
Stance
Check out the ICON collection from Stance—premium comfort, performance, and durability designed for whatever your day brings.
Use promo Code LOCKEDON at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Learn more at https://Stance.com.
Stance. The Official Sock Partner of Major League Baseball.
5-Hour ENERGY
Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
KALSHI
For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM

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)

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