The Pirates’ five-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday night with a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals as their season-long struggles against left-handed pitching returned. Jim and Doug break down the quiet offense, a shaky bullpen game, Rafael Flores Jr.’s continued development and what Pittsburgh’s rotation could look like in 2027.

Alex Stumpf looks back at Ashcraft’s breakout season, why there may still be another level for him to reach in 2027, and what his emergence means for a Pirates rotation that also includes Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler.

Jones carried a perfect game into the sixth inning and finished with seven scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with no walks and nine strikeouts. DiNardo and Tyler break down another dominant outing, the development of Jones’ fastball and what his finish to 2026 means for Pittsburgh’s rotation heading into next season.

Brandon Lowe has delivered one of the best seasons ever by a Pirates second baseman, but free agency is coming. Alex Stumpf breaks down what it could cost to keep him and why Pittsburgh’s urgency to win in 2027 should matter more than worrying about what the contract looks like in 2029.

The Pirates may be eliminated, but they certainly aren't playing like it. Pittsburgh swept the Royals with three comeback wins, Brandon Lowe continues to make his case for sticking around beyond 2026, Oneil Cruz joined some elite Pirates history and Rafael Flores Jr. delivered another huge moment.

The Pirates entered 2026 with one clearly stated goal: make the postseason. Alex Stumpf explains why missing October feels even worse when so many of the decisions that cost them were completely within the organization’s control.

Pittsburgh rallied late for a 4-3 win over Kansas City to complete the sweep at PNC Park. Rafael Flores delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon with a go-ahead two-run homer, while Oneil Cruz hit his 20th home run to reach the 20/20 club for the third straight season.

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.

The Pirates erased an early 4-0 deficit and rallied past the Royals 8-5 to get back to .500 at 77-77. Konnor Griffin had four hits, Brandon Lowe homered and Yohan Ramirez delivered another big performance out of the bullpen.

Konnor Griffin’s rookie season hasn’t been perfect, but that might be the point. Alex Stumpf breaks down Griffin’s development, the adjustments he’s making against inside fastballs and why what he learned in 2026 could matter much more than his final numbers.