Mitch Pulled, Bullpen Blows Game, Nationals Defeat Pirates 6-5

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. If you enjoy the show, smash subscribe, drop a comment with your take on pulling Keller tonight, and share with a fellow Bucco fan. Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m ►BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/northshorenine.bsky.social Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.