North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast

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.

The Pirates came out swinging and never looked back, pounding out 18 hits in a 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. DiNardo and Jim break down an offense that scored five runs in the first inning and produced hard contact all night. Konnor Griffin looked like himself again, Rafael Flores continued to make his case behind the plate, Oneil Cruz smoked the baseball, Bryan Reynolds stayed hot and Spencer Horwitz finally broke through. Bubba Chandler also delivered one of his better starts of the season, throwing six innings with eight strikeouts and zero walks while generating 16 whiffs on his four-seam fastball. 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.

Nick Gonzales has arguably been the Pirates’ most consistent offensive player this season, but his defense is beginning to erase much of that value. Alex Stumpf looks at Gonzales’ offensive consistency, his struggles defensively at both third and second base, and whether moving him to DH is the Pirates’ best option down the stretch. Ryan O’Hearn’s impending return only complicates the picture, while Brandon Lowe’s future raises an even bigger question about where Gonzales fits in 2027. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Check out Alex’s work at Book Rule Bucs: https://bookrulebucs.substack.com/ Download the NS9 app: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Try LarineCo and save up to 50%: 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.

The Pirates somehow took two of three from the Angels despite scoring just three runs all weekend, because their pitching staff absolutely carried them. DiNardo and Tyler break down Jared Jones' dominant new-look breaking ball, how the Pirates should handle Braxton Ashcraft's unprecedented workload, Paul Skenes showing improved command but still struggling to finish hitters with two strikes, and Mason Montgomery's incredible emergence at the back end of the bullpen. They also discuss Carmen Mlodzinski finally settling into a true bullpen role, Luke Weaver's bizarre poison ivy situation, and whether the bullpen has quietly become one of the biggest strengths on this roster. Plus, a preview of the upcoming six-game road trip through Chicago against the White Sox and Cubs. Bucco Brew is presented by De Fer Coffee & Tea. Use code NS930 at checkout. 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 took two of three from the Angels, including a pair of 1-0 wins, but the bigger issue isn’t going away. Pittsburgh’s offense has been one of the worst in baseball over the last month, and with the Pirates sitting at 71-73 and five games out of a playoff spot, there is almost no margin for error left. Alex Stumpf looks at the struggles of Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds and others, the production Pittsburgh is getting from Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales, what Ryan O’Hearn could provide if he returns, and why the offense needs to take control as the Pirates enter their final push. OffBeat is presented by FanDuel. Try Larineco Pouches and save up to 50%: https://buylarine.com/northshore Read Alex Stumpf’s 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.

The Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the Los Angeles Angels 1-0 behind 5.1 scoreless innings from Paul Skenes and a solo home run from Henry Davis. Skenes still wasn't completely dominant, but his command improved and the Pirates bullpen took care of everything from there. DiNardo and Doug discuss Skenes' outing, another quiet day from the Pirates offense, the resurgence of Gregory Soto, Carmen Mlodzinski's changing bullpen role and the incredible turnaround Mason Montgomery has made since the beginning of the season. The Pirates have now won four straight series as they head into the final weeks of the season. 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 turned in another brutal performance Saturday night, falling 6-1 to the Angels in a game they desperately needed to win. DiNardo and Doug break down another disappearing act from the offense against a left-handed pitcher, Braxton Ashcraft fading after three dominant innings, the decision to send Isaac Mattson back out for a second inning, and why the Pirates still don't seem to be managing games with the urgency their situation requires. Bryan Reynolds provided essentially all of the offense with his 16th home run of the season, while Konnor Griffin, Esmerlyn Valdez and Oneil Cruz combined for seven strikeouts. Cruz also reached his 100th career stolen base before making a costly attempt to steal third. Plus, Johan Ramirez continues to quietly put together a strong season and Paul Skenes takes the mound Sunday as the Pirates try to avoid being swept. 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.

Konnor Griffin is back, and it didn't take long for him to remind everyone what the Pirates have been missing. Griffin's speed created the only run of the night as the Pirates beat the Angels 1-0, while Jared Jones delivered one of his best outings of the season. Jones tossed six scoreless innings, generated 19 whiffs on his slider and handed things off to Wilber Dotel and Mason Montgomery to finish the shutout. Jim and Tyler break down Griffin's immediate impact, Jones' dominant slider, the surprising decision to use Dotel for six outs, Montgomery's continued emergence at the back end of the bullpen and where the Pirates stand after improving to 70-72. The NS9 Postgame Show is powered by Primanti Brothers and North Shore Nine is presented by FanDuel. Download the NS9 App: https://northshorenine.com/get-app Try Larine Co.: 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.