The Pittsburgh Pirates bounced back on the Fourth of July with a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals, getting back to .500 behind another strong start from Braxton Ashcraft. DiNardo and Doug break down Ashcraft’s outing, Konnor Griffin stealing home, Brandon Lowe’s All-Star case, the offense finding different ways to score, the Yohan Ramirez experience, and what this win means as the Pirates try to finally push above .500.

Jim and Anthony Murphy break down Easton Carmichael’s strong first full professional season, including his advanced defense, contact skills and surprising athleticism. Could the top 10 Pirates prospect already be the most complete catcher in the organization?

The Pirates lost 9-5 to the Nationals, and somehow the offense was not the biggest issue. Mitch Keller was hit hard again, Isaac Mattson struggled out of the bullpen, and the pitching staff continues to look like a much bigger problem than anyone expected. DiNardo, Tyler break down Keller’s rough outing, the pressure on Bill Murphy, why the Pirates may need more than just bullpen help at the deadline, and why Esmerlyn Valdez continues to be one of the only bright spots right now.

Alex Stumpf explains why Valdez has earned an extended opportunity as an everyday player, the improvements he is already showing at the plate and why the Pirates cannot justify giving Marcell Ozuna more at-bats right now. Could Valdez simply take hold of an outfield job and keep it for the rest of the season?

Alex Stumpf joins NS9LIVE! to discuss Paul Skenes’ current struggles and his nine-start losing streak. What has happened to the velocity, splinker and breaking pitches that made Skenes nearly unhittable, and is fatigue beginning to become a legitimate concern?

The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-1 to earn a series split, with Esmerlyn Valdez once again at the center of the offense.

Konnor Griffin may headline the Pirates’ farm system, but Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino represent another major part of its future. Alex Stumpf breaks down what makes the two Futures Game selections special, how they are handling increased expectations and why both could reach Pittsburgh sooner than many expect.

Paul Skenes turned in the worst start of his major league career, allowing a career high seven earned runs over four innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 10-6 to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bubba Chandler’s final line did not tell the full story of his outing against Philadelphia. Alex Stumpf breaks down Chandler’s improved command, the mechanical adjustment that helped him regain his arm slot and why the young right-hander could become a major factor for the Pirates during the second half.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were completely overmatched by Cristopher Sánchez in an 8-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The offense finished with only four hits, Bryan Reynolds’ 34-game on-base streak ended and Marcell Ozuna struck out three times.