North Shore Nine

The Pittsburgh Pirates may be out of the postseason hunt, but they played like a team with everything on the line in their series win over the Cincinnati Reds. Taking two of three on the road, the Bucs embraced a playoff atmosphere that reminded fans what October baseball feels like. The centerpiece was Paul Skenes, who delivered six strong innings and cemented a sub-2.00 ERA, proving once again why he’s one of the best pitchers on the planet.

Manager Don Kelly pushed all the right buttons, treating the games like they mattered. He emptied the bullpen, let Skenes go an extra inning, and kept the Reds’ bats off balance. The Pirates’ intensity was clear—every pitch mattered, every out carried weight. Players fed off that energy, from Bryan Reynolds’ big swings to a clutch debut inning from prospect Hunter Barco.

This series also showcased the organization’s pitching depth. Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler and others give the team flexibility heading into 2026. Even with possible innings limits and the looming decision on Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh has the arms to build a dominant rotation.

Beyond the box score, the Pirates proved something to themselves: they can rise to the moment. For fans starved for meaningful baseball, these three games were a glimpse of what’s possible. As the offseason begins, the foundation is set. With continued growth and smart moves, this pitching-rich club could turn late September excitement into a full-season reality next year.