North Shore Nine

The Pittsburgh Pirates began their series in Atlanta with a statement win, rolling past the Braves 9–3. Spencer Horwitz stole the spotlight, smashing two home runs—his 10th and 11th of the season—and sparking an offense that rarely clicks this late in September. Tommy Pham chipped in with a blast of his own as the Pirates showed an unexpected burst of firepower, tacking on insurance runs and never looking back after a four-run second inning.

On the mound, Mitch Keller delivered an outing that was as puzzling as it was potentially historic. He lasted just 3.2 innings, striking out six but issuing five walks, leaving many to wonder if this was his final appearance in a Pirates uniform. DiNardo and Nathan reflected on Keller’s path from early struggles to dependable starter and debated what a possible trade could mean for Pittsburgh’s young, rising rotation. Despite the uneven start, Keller limited the damage to a single earned run and gave his team a chance to win—a microcosm of his career’s grit and perseverance.

This late-season surge comes after taking two of three from Cincinnati, showing that even without playoff stakes, the Pirates aren’t coasting. The bats came alive, the bullpen held firm, and fans were treated to a game that mixed drama with dominance.

The NS9 Postgame Show Powered by Primanti Bros captures every key moment and conversation from this victory. Don’t miss out—watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts, and join the discussion about what’s next for Mitch Keller and the Pirates.