North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

The Pirates looked dead late, then Brandon Lowe changed everything again. Lowe launched a two-run home run to put Pittsburgh back in front, and Mason Montgomery slammed the door in the ninth as the Pirates beat the Royals 5-4 and move back above .500. DiNardo and Neil break down Lowe’s monster season and what it means for his future in Pittsburgh, another uneven start from Bubba Chandler, Camilo Doval’s rough outing, Montgomery’s continued dominance, and strong days at the plate from Oneil Cruz and Rafael Flores. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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 fell behind 4-0 early and eventually trailed 5-2, but the offense kept coming. Pittsburgh piled up 15 hits in an 8-5 comeback win over the Kansas City Royals to get back to .500 at 77-77. Konnor Griffin finished with four hits, Brandon Lowe launched his 32nd home run, Oneil Cruz had a big night at the plate and Spencer Horwitz delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the seventh. Paul Skenes battled through six innings despite allowing five runs, while Yohan Ramirez continued his outstanding season with another huge performance out of the bullpen. Jim and Tyler break it all down on the NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app NS9 is presented by FanDuel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Konnor Griffin delivered the biggest hit in the Pirates’ 7-4 win over Milwaukee, driving a tough inside fastball for a two-run double that gave Pittsburgh the lead. But the swing meant more than just two runs. Alex Stumpf looks at how Griffin has developed throughout his rookie season, the adjustments he’s made at the plate, what injuries took away from his year and why his ability to identify and attack his weaknesses could be the biggest takeaway heading into 2027. Plus, how the Pirates’ failure to add another infielder put even more pressure on Griffin and contributed to where this season ultimately went. Read more from Alex Stumpf on Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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.

Is Ben Cherington really coming back for Year 8? Reports from Buster Olney and Jason Mackey suggest the Pirates could retain Cherington for 2027, despite seven seasons without a winning record or postseason appearance. DiNardo, Jim and Tyler debate what progress in 2026 actually means, whether Cherington has done enough to warrant another season, and how much the final nine games should matter. Plus, does finishing .500 mean anything at this point? And the crew looks ahead to the Pirates prospects headed to the Arizona Fall League, including Wyatt Sanford and Easton Carmichael. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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 beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 and officially clinched the season series against the NL Central leaders, finishing 7-5 against Milwaukee this year. Cody and Doug break down a big two-out rally sparked by Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis adding some late insurance with his 10th home run of the season, Christian Curtis working through more command issues, Luke Weaver’s continued struggles and Mason Montgomery shutting the door for the save. The Pirates may be hanging on by a thread in the Wild Card race, but taking the season series from one of baseball’s best teams is at least something to hang their hat on. Download the NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Presented by FanDuel and 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.

Jared Jones called this Pirates season a case of “what could have been,” and maybe no player fits that better than Oneil Cruz. Alex Stumpf looks at the version of Cruz we finally saw in 2026, the adjustments that helped unlock him, how much his lengthy hand injury may have cost him statistically and just how special a full healthy season could look. Then, with only two years of team control remaining, Alex looks ahead to 2027 and the bigger question surrounding Cruz’s future in Pittsburgh. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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 battled back from an early 3-0 deficit Wednesday night, getting home runs from Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe and Rafael Flores to take a 4-3 lead, but they couldn’t finish it off in a 5-4 loss to the Brewers. DiNardo and Doug break down Jared Jones’ nine-strikeout outing, another big night from Cruz, why Lowe needs to be an offseason priority, Carmen Mlodzinski giving away the lead in the seventh and the continued difference between Pittsburgh and Milwaukee when it comes to doing the little things right. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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.

Why do the Milwaukee Brewers consistently finish ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates? Alex Stumpf got an up-close look at Milwaukee’s organization while covering the Brewers last postseason, and what stuck with him wasn’t simply the talent. It was the culture. From Pat Murphy and the Brewers’ player-development machine to the tone set by ownership and veterans in the clubhouse, Alex breaks down why Milwaukee continually becomes more than the sum of its parts. He also looks at Tuesday’s costly Pirates baserunning mistake and why those little moments help explain the difference between the two organizations. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Read Alex’s work at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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 dropped back below .500 with a frustrating 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Roberto Clemente Day. Jim and Tyler break down another game where the little things made a big difference, from a costly fourth-inning baserunning mistake to Nick Gonzalez’s continued struggles at third base and Gregory Soto’s rough sixth inning. They also discuss just how wide the organizational gap has become between Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. There were a few positives. Rafael Flores Jr. went 4-for-4 and threw out two runners behind the plate, Brandon Lowe hit his 30th home run of the season and Antwone Kelly showed some intriguing stuff over three scoreless innings. We’re also raising money for the Clemente Museum and matching every dollar donated up to $1,050. North Shore Nine is presented by FanDuel. NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Brothers. Get up to 50% off Larine at BuyLarine.com/NorthShore. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates entered 2026 with playoff expectations, and with those hopes essentially gone, Don Kelly has become a popular target for frustrated fans. Alex Stumpf looks at what Kelly deserves blame for, what was outside of his control, and why firing him might not solve the Pirates’ bigger problems. Alex also discusses the Gregory Soto decision in Chicago, Carmen Mlodzinski coming through in a huge spot, the handling of Paul Skenes, a season full of injuries and why 2027 could become one of the most important years in franchise history. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Subscribe to Alex Stumpf’s Book-Rule Bucs Substack: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates return home at .500 after a 4-2 road trip, but this weekend in Chicago left plenty to talk about. On Monday’s Bucco Brew, we get into Don Kelly’s bullpen decisions, what the Skenes/Soto collapse says about late-game management, and whether Pittsburgh already has the core of its 2027 rotation. We’ll also look at the offense with Ryan O’Hearn back, Esmerlyn Valdez hitting the IL, Konnor Griffin in the lineup, and ask how many pieces of next year’s team are already here. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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.

Carmen Mlodzinski delivered in the biggest spot of Sunday’s win, and Alex Stumpf can’t help but wonder why the Pirates waited this long to use him this way. Alex breaks down Mlodzinski’s move into shorter, higher-leverage outings, how dramatically his impact has changed, and why this version of Mlodzinski could have made a difference when the Pirates’ bullpen was struggling earlier this summer. Plus, what should his role be in 2027: starter or late-inning weapon? OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app 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 avoided the sweep at Wrigley Field with a 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. DiNardo and Doug break down a start from Bubba Chandler that wasn’t dominant, but showed another step forward in his development. They also discuss Carmen Mlodzinski settling into the bullpen, Luke Weaver looking better, Mason Montgomery continuing his ridiculous scoreless run, and the Pirates getting just enough offense to finish the job. Plus, Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz at the top of the lineup, Nick Gonzales coming through, and Brandon Lowe delivering a huge pinch-hit knock. North Shore Nine is currently raising money for the Roberto Clemente Foundation in support of the Clemente Museum. NS9 will match every dollar donated up to $1,050 through Roberto Clemente Day. Presented by FanDuel. NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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 let another winnable game get away, falling 4-3 to the Chicago Cubs after carrying a 3-2 lead into the eighth inning. Tyler and Doug break down Gregory Soto's disastrous eighth, Don Kelly's decision to leave him in as the inning unraveled, and the continued lack of urgency that has defined too much of this season. They also discuss a much better outing from Paul Skenes, Ryan O'Hearn providing all three Pirates runs with one swing, and why Mason Montgomery never entering the game was so frustrating. We're also raising money for the Roberto Clemente Museum and matching every dollar donated up to $1,050, with a goal of raising $2,100. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pirates’ four-game winning streak came to an ugly end Friday afternoon as the Cubs hammered Pittsburgh 12-2 at Wrigley Field. Doug breaks down a bullpen game that unraveled quickly, Wilber Dotel’s costly fundamental mistake in the second inning, another rough day against Shota Imanaga, and why the Pirates simply cannot afford to keep giving games away with the little things. More importantly, North Shore Nine is raising money for the Roberto Clemente Museum. We are matching every dollar donated up to $1,050, so donate through the fundraiser attached to this video and help us blow past our goal. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Try Larine and save up to 50%: https://buylarine.com/northshore North Shore Nine is presented by FanDuel. The NS9 Postgame Show is 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.

Braxton Ashcraft is headed to the injured list with right arm discomfort, but the early news that there is no structural damage is encouraging. Alex Stumpf looks at what Ashcraft’s injury means for the remainder of 2026, why there was little reason for the Pirates to shut him down earlier, and whether Pittsburgh should even consider bringing him back this season. Plus, what could the rotation look like without him and why Ashcraft has cemented himself as a major part of the Pirates’ future. Read more from Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the North Shore Nine app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app North Shore Nine is presented by FanDuel. Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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.

Jared Jones took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and completely overwhelmed the Chicago White Sox as the Pittsburgh Pirates finished off the sweep with a 2-0 win. Tyler and Neil break down another dominant start from Jones, the development of his slider and changeup, Oneil Cruz crushing another home run and continuing to rake since returning from the IL, Rafael Flores’ growth behind the plate, Mason Montgomery slamming the door again and a Pirates team suddenly playing some really good baseball. Plus, the Pirates have now won four straight as they head to Wrigley Field. Download the NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app North Shore Nine: https://northshorenine.com ️ 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 are back at .500 after Wednesday’s win over the White Sox, sitting at 73-73 with five straight series wins. Alex Stumpf asks whether finishing with 81 or 82 wins actually means anything after a season that began with the stated goal of making the playoffs, and why a winning record could still matter as Pittsburgh looks toward a crucial 2027 season. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Read 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 Pirates are back to .500 after hanging on for a wild 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox. Jim and Neil break down an unconventional bullpen game that saw Pittsburgh use eight pitchers, Brandon Eisert dominate his former team, Esmerlyn Valdez launch his 17th home run and Konnor Griffin deliver another huge two-out hit. Then things got interesting late. Camilo Doval struggled, Luke Weaver nearly let Chicago all the way back in, Jared Triolo made a game-saving defensive play and Mason Montgomery slammed the door for his 11th save. The Pirates have now won five straight series and seven of their last eight. NS9 Postgame Show powered by Primanti Brothers. Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Try Larine and get up to 50% off: https://buylarine.com/NorthShore Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bubba Chandler delivered one of the most dominant fastball performances in baseball this season in the Pirates’ 9-3 win over the White Sox. Alex Stumpf breaks down Chandler’s 16 whiffs on 32 swings against his four-seam fastball, the arm-slot adjustment that has helped stabilize his rookie season, and why Chandler may be pitching as well as anyone in the Pirates’ rotation right now. Try Larine and get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/NorthShore Read Alex at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download our app! : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/north-shore-nine/id6771171000 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.northshorenine.app 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.