Mitch Pulled, Bullpen Blows Game, Nationals Defeat Pirates 6-5
Mitch Keller cruised through five scoreless innings, but an early hook and a shaky bullpen turned a 3–0 lead into a 6–5 Pirates loss to the Nationals. Doug and DiNardo break down Don Kelly’s decision to pull Keller, the relief meltdown, and a bizarre missed-plate slide that cost the tying run. They also highlight standout nights from Spencer Horowitz, Nick Gonzales, Jared Triolo, and discuss Andrew McCutchen’s back concerns and what this game says about the Pirates’ roster and in-game strategy.
North Shore Nine: A Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast
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Show Notes
Mitch Keller had the Nats on lockdown—five scoreless through 5 on just 62 pitches—before he was lifted and the bullpen let it slip, turning a 3–0 lead into a 6–5 loss. Doug and DiNardo break down the decision to pull Keller, the ensuing relief carousel (and why “just get outs” wasn’t the plan), and a bizarre base-running gaffe at the plate that erased the tying run. We hit the late push too: Nick Yorke’s pinch-hit AB, Joey Bart’s RBI knock for Henry Davis, and how a passed ball + non-competitive pitch compounded the damage. Offensively, there were real positives—Jared Triolo (2 hits), Spencer Horowitz (2 hits with a homer), Nick Gonzales (2-for-4), Bryan Reynolds RBI—while Andrew McCutchen’s 0-for-4 and apparent back issue are something to monitor. Plus: what this says about Don Kelly’s in-game leash, the bullpen’s volatility (Sisk/Nicolas, etc.), and the bigger roster-building conversation.
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