(Caption and Credit for Photo: Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft walks to the dugout with catcher Shawn Ross before a game against the Cubs on July 26 at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates put All-Star starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list yesterday because he has right arm discomfort. 

The move is retroactive to Monday. 

The Pirates recalled right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. 

According to Pirates manager Don Kelly, Ashcraft’s arm discomfort popped up after his most recent start on Saturday, when a game took place between the Pirates and the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park.

Kelly also stated on a recent edition of the SportsNet Pittsburgh pregame show that there does not appear to be any structural damage to Ashcraft’s arm, but more tests will be conducted.

Ashcraft’s 2026 statistics include an ERA of 3.70, a record of 14-6 and 173 strikeouts.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP) — Jared Jones pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Oneil Cruz added a solo home run and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Thursday night to complete a three-game series sweep.

The White Sox had just two hits in losing for the eighth time in 11 games. Chicago’s AL Central lead over idle Cleveland slipped to 1 1/2 games.

Jones (4-6), making his 40th career start, allowed leadoff walks in the third and fourth innings and carried a no-hit bid into the seventh, when Colson Montgomery shut down the bid with a two-out double.

Jones finished the inning, matching his longest career outing, and finished with eight strikeouts. Luke Weaver worked a clean eighth and Mason Montgomery came on to record his 12th save for the Pirates, who’ve won four straight and nine of 11.

Cruz homered to deep center in the fourth off Erick Fedde (8-9) and tagged him for a second earned run when he singled to knock in Jared Triolo in the eighth.

Chicago’s Miguel Vargas got to third after stealing second and advancing on a throwing error in the fourth, but stayed there after Jones induced three straight flyouts.

Fedde, who took over one batter into the third for opener Hagen Smith, gave up four hits and a walk while striking out one in 5 1/3 innings.

The Pirates were seeking the club’s seventh no-hitter. Francisco Cordova and Ricardo Rincon last accomplished the feat July 12, 1997, against Houston. John Candelaria had Pittsburgh’s last solo no-hitter on Aug. 9, 1976, against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Up next

The Pirates’ projected starter for their Friday afternoon game against the Chicago Cubs is RHP Wilber Dotel (1-4, 4.41 ERA). Chicago’s LHP Shota Imanaga (9-10, 3.91 ERA) will start the series opener.

White Sox LHP Anthony Kay (9-8, 4.47 ERA) faces Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (5-13, 5.57) in the opener at St. Louis Friday night.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ryan O’Hearn watches his two-run home run against Houston Astros starting pitcher Kai-Wei Teng during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O’Hearn is progressing in his rehab to recover from a left quad strain.

O’Hearn suffered this injury when he was running to first base during the ninth inning of the Pirates’ game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati on July 31st.

He went to a rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis this week and he is hoping to rejoin the team in Chicago tomorrow to try to be activated before the team’s series this weekend on the road against the Chicago Cubs.

O’Hearn’s 2026 statistics include 17 home runs, 69 RBIs and a batting average of .270.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Esmerlyn Valdez celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP) — Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez hit a solo shot, rookie Konnor Griffin singled in two runs in Pittsburgh’s three-run seventh inning and the Pirates held on to beat the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory.

Rafael Flores Jr. added an RBI single to help the Pirates win for the eighth time in 10 games to climb back to .500.

Pittsburgh used eight pitchers to hand the White Sox a second straight loss and their seventh in their last 10. AL Central-leading Chicago (75-70) maintained a two-game lead over Cleveland, which lost at Baltimore.

The benches and bullpens emptied in the seventh, but order was quickly restored.

Yohan Ramirez, Pittsburgh’s sixth pitcher, entered and got Miguel Vargas to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded and the Pirates head 4-1. Sam Antonacci elbowed Brandon Lowe at second as he came up from his slide to set off the fracas.

Antonacci’s RBI infield single had driven in Chicago’s first run.

White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami hit his 31st homer in the eighth to cut it to 4-2, but struck out in his first two times at the plate, running his streak of strikeouts to eight straight plate appearances. Murakami was hit by a pitch from Gregory Soto in his third time up.

The White Sox loaded the bases off Luke Weaver with one out in the eighth, but Chase Meidroth lined to third for an inning-ending double-play.

Pirates opener Lake Bachar got the first five outs. Brandon Eisert (3-2) followed with 2 1/3 innings of hitless ball, striking out five, for the win. Carmen Mlodzinski, Soto, Camilo Doval, Ramirez and Weaver followed before Mason Montgomery pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 11th save

White Sox starter Davis Martin (9-7) allowed one run, on Valdez’s 17th homer in the fifth, and four hits in five innings in his second start since coming off the injured list from a tight middle finger blister.

Up next

Pirates RHP Jared Jones (3-6, 4.46 ERA) was set to start against White Sox LHP Hagen Smith (3-1, 0.56) on Thursday in the series finale.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: People stand on the field in Acrisure Stadium before an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks in Pittsburgh, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Acrisure Stadium and the Pittsburgh Steelers announced today
the enhancements that have been made in the offseason at Acrisure Stadium to ensure a best-in-class experience on gamedays for Steelers fans during the 2026 NFL football season.

According to a release from the Pittsburgh Steelers, here is what fans can expect at Acrisure Stadium this year:

KEY ENHANCEMENTS

1933 Club Presented by HEINZ: A new premium club has opened at Acrisure Stadium: the
1933 Club Presented by HEINZ. The club delivers an elevated, all-inclusive gameday
experience—pairing modern elegance with a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere. Members enjoy elevated dining and beverages, comfortable lounge spaces, an expansive center bar with a resident mixologist, convenient grab-and-go offerings, screens throughout the club, exclusive behind-the-scenes views of the Steelers locker room entrance and player tunnel and direct access to the 100-level concourse.

Playing Surface at Acrisure Stadium: The playing field at Acrisure Stadium has a new look this season. Over the offseason, the field was changed to Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass sod grown on plastic, with turf for the regular season supplied by Tuckahoe Turf Farms in New Jersey. Developed at Oklahoma State University, Tahoma 31 is a cold, drought, and high-traffic tolerant Bermudagrass hybrid built to deliver superior traction and divot resistance — improving surface quality for players on game day and week to week. Fans may notice the difference too: the new turf has a lighter green hue and won’t develop the classic mowed-in stripe pattern.

NEW IN-GAME FEATURES & ENTERTAINMENT

Acrisure Stadium will roll out a new suite of in-game enhancements this season – from
bold new graphics and visual content to live performances – all designed to engage the fan’s senses and elevate the gameday experience to a new level. These include:
Ford Fan Zone Stage: A dedicated stage has been added inside the stadium, giving the
ability to host in-game musical performances from DJs to bands. This new addition,
located in the southwest corner of the south endzone, just above the Ford Fan Zone,
allows artists to perform directly to the crowds, adding an energizing new dimension to gameday.
Branding, Graphics and Content: Fans can expect fresh new branding in the stadium
bowl and throughout the campus, new scoreboard features that put the spotlight on fans and offer chances to win prizes, and a reimagined pregame intro sequence featuring new video content and entertainment that honors both the team’s traditions and its hometown roots. Fans will also enjoy a new in-stadium television system throughout the concourses, clubs, and suites, delivering enhanced statistics and updated graphics that are clearer, more custom, and built to keep fans connected to the action wherever they are in the building.
Gameday Magazine: The Steelers Gameday magazine has been reimagined from a
traditional magazine to a fresh new multi-panel fold out. Compact, interactive and easily
digestible, essential gameday information – from player rosters to a stadium map – is
available at a glance. Best of all, the resource unfolds into a full-sized, souvenir poster
featuring a Steelers fan-favorite player.

NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE
This season, fans can enjoy a line-up of new food offerings throughout the stadium’s
concourses and clubs. Powered by Aramark Sports + Entertainment, the additions
spotlight elevated takes on classic favorites and Pittsburgh-inspired twists. New main and upper concourse offerings:
• Fourth and Flav Nacho will serve upscale nacho options at the Nachos Portables in
sections 118, 505, 516, 518, 529, and 534.
• Dippin Dots will be available at all Steel City Classics Stands – 124, 146, 515, 539,
at 108 goal line, and 524 West End Grill.
• Pierogies N’at, which blends comfort food flavors with unexpected toppings will be
available at the Pittsburgh Pierogies Stand at section 119.
• The Immaculate Refreshment featuring Vodka, OJ and Starry and served in a
Steelers logo mini-Gatorade cooler cup available to fans 21+ with a valid
government issued ID at 109 Steelhouse and 128 Steelhouse.
• Three Little Pigs – a new Pittsburgh-style twist on a classic pig in a blanket will be
served at the Goal Line Stand at section 124.
New offerings in the club areas:
• West and UPMC East Clubs – All Steel City Markets will offer Kale & Berry Salads
and Dippin Dots; the clubs will also offer a new Pittsburgh-inspired Yinzer Wrap.
Additionally, Pick 6 Sammies, which feature kiosk self-order and checkout will now
offer Alla Famiglia Hot Sausage Sandwiches, Steel City Steak Salads, House Smash
Burgers, and Chicken Tenders & Seasoned Fries.
• North Club will offer Kale & Berry Salads, Fourth and Flav Nachos, and Dippin Dots.
• PNC Champions Club will offer Fourth and Flav Nachos and Black & Gold Chicken
& Waffle Sandwiches.

FEATURED DESTINATIONS

NFL Draft Countdown Clock: The 2026 NFL Draft Countdown Clock, which marked the
days until Pittsburgh hosted the 2026 NFL Draft, has been relocated from the Great Lawn to the Gate A lawn, right next to the outdoor playing field. Great for photo opportunities and reminiscing about the record-breaking 2026 NFL Draft, in its second act, the clock will also provide a Steelers game day countdown.
2026 NFL Draft Exhibit: The Hall of Honor Museum is a celebration of all things Steelers, and this year the museum is undertaking a new display to commemorate one of the biggest sporting events in Pittsburgh – the 2026 NFL Draft.
As part of the Museum’s changing exhibit, highlights from the 2026 NFL Draft, which was held outside of Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore and in Point State Park, brought local, national and international fans to enjoy an exciting three days of football and fun. The eye- popping display in the Museum features all of the highlights from the Draft – from attendance to community impact. Fans who want to experience the thrill of being drafted can pick up a phone and listen to a call from Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, sharing the news that they have been drafted, just like he does when he calls players when they are selected. To experience the new exhibit, fans can book a Hall of Honor tour at https://acrisurestadium.com/stadium/hall-of-honor-museum/
TribLIVE Terrace: Located in the southeast corner of the stadium, adjacent to the Ford Fan Zone and above the FedEx Great Hall, the new TribLIVE Terrace gives fans a fresh spot to gather on game day. The space will showcase original articles and newspapers dating from 1975 through the early 2000s, offering fans a walk down memory lane through some of the most memorable moments in Steelers history. Fans can grab a beverage and settle into a covered space with TVs to catch all the game day action. More exciting elements are coming to the Terrace later this season.
Additionally, a private, fenced-off section within the Terrace delivers the ultimate premium game day experience, featuring club level tickets, exclusive pregame field passes, and a premium, all-inclusive food and beverage spread before kickoff. More details can be found by going here: https://www.steelers.com/tickets/premium-seating/

New Pregame Activations:
• Sensory Activation Vehicle: This season, a new pregame activation will bring greater
accessibility and inclusion to the game day experience. Approximately one in four
individuals has a sensory need or invisible disability, and to support these fans, KultureCity is introducing its Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV) to the Steelers pre-
game on Art Rooney Avenue. The SAV offers a quiet, calm physical space where fans can step away for a moment to decompress before returning to the excitement
of game day. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring sensory accessibility isn’t
an afterthought, but a built-in part of the fan experience — creating a more
welcoming, supportive environment where every fan has a place to enjoy the game
in the way that works best for them. Inside the stadium, sensory kits will continue to
be available at all Guest Services and First Aid locations.

• Steelers Country Returns: Fans looking to relive some of their favorite moments
from the Steelers Country activation at Point State Park during the NFL Draft can
enter the stadium’s campus through West General Robinson Street, passing
beneath the massive archway from the Steelers fan zone. The fan-favorite Super
Bowl Rings display, featuring larger-than-life replicas celebrating each of the
franchise’s championship victories, will now be located in the FedEx Great Hall.
• A new Hall of Honor activation with a gameday match up photo op will be available
for each game.
The Steelers Pro Shop: Located in the FedEx Great Hall area, with locations around the
stadium on game day as well, the Pro Shop offers all the latest Steelers merchandise,
including trending items and top brands. Among what’s new is the Steel City Classics line from ’47 Brand, featuring, t-shirts, crews and hoodies for men and women, as well as a large collection of hats, including one often worn by Coach Mike McCarthy during training camp. The collection combines the love fans have for the Steelers and the City of Pittsburgh into a new option. Shop the collection at: https://shop.steelers.com/trending/steel-city-collection
Fans can also find looks from Homage, the 2026 Paris Collection, Johnnie-O, Peter Millar, UNRL, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gameday Couture and more. Fans can shop online at https://shop.steelers.com/ or at one of three Pro Shop locations at Acrisure Stadium, Tangier Outlets and Grove City.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
Steelers Student Rush: The team’s signature program for college students, Student Rush offers affordable, authentic, and memorable Steelers football experiences at Acrisure Stadium via a limited Standing Room Only ticket inventory for each home game. Tickets are priced at a student-friendly rate. The program, now in its fourth year, will include new features for the 2026 season. Students who respond to secure tickets each week will be entered to win giveaways.

Commemorative Posters: In collaboration with Commonwealth Press, the Steelers will
release commemorative posters for the 2026 season.
Tours: A variety of Acrisure Stadium tours are available year-round for fans wanting the full Acrisure Stadium experience. Game Day Weekend tours offer fans a special behind-the-scenes look at gameday prep. You can find more information about tours at Acrisure Stadium by going to acrisurestadium.com/stadium/stadium-tours-info/Walk-Thru Brus and Drink Markets: Available throughout the stadium these stands

feature grab-and-go beverage models paired with smart checkout devices. A self-service soda refill station, located in the upper deck, was added so fans can fill up quickly and get back to the game.

Mobile Orders: Adding to convenience, guests can skip the lines by taking advantage of mobile ordering on gameday, available via the Steelers Mobile App. Fans can place their order from their seat and pick up at designated concession locations.
For more information about what’s new at Acrisure Stadium visit:
https://acrisurestadium.com/stadium/whats-new/.

(Credit for Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is introduced prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the details for the Immaculate Prediction $100K Season Challenge yesterday.

This is an exclusive experience on the Steelers Mobile App that gives fans the opportunity to put their knowledge of football to the test for a chance to win $100,000 to celebrate Kickoff Week and the start of the 2026 season.

Fans will make 24 predictions that span the entire 2026 NFL regular season, which covers a variety of outcomes including the individual game results, player projections, season totals and more.

All of these predictions must be submitted before kickoff of the Steelers regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, which occurs at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, September 13.

Once they are submitted, predictions will stay locked throughout the season.

Fans that correctly answer all 24 questions will be eligible to win the grand prize of $100,000.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) defends against the rush by Buffalo Bills’ Andre Jones Jr. (59) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Orchard Park, NY., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, the Steelers ‘ first-round pick, had his home recently burglarized, according to multiple reports.

Reports said that at least $150,000 in merchandise was stolen on Aug. 26, the day before the Steelers visited Buffalo for a preseason game.

The Steelers took Iheanachor out of Arizona State with the 21st selection in this year’s NFL draft.

An undisclosed injury caused him to miss a big chunk of training camp. Iheanachor is listed second at right tackle on the Steelers’ depth chart for their season opener Sunday against Atlanta.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP) — Bubba Chandler pitched six strong innings, Rafael Flores Jr. homered among his three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates pounded the Chicago White Sox 9-3 on Tuesday night.

Bryan Reynolds had two of Pittsburgh’s five doubles off starter Sean Burke. Reynolds drove in two runs and scored twice as the Pirates jumped out to a 7-0 lead after two innings and rolled to their seventh victory in nine games behind an 18-hit outburst.

Oneil Cruz had three hits and two RBIs and Spencer Horwitz drove in three runs to help deal the White Sox a fourth loss in six games that trimmed their AL Central lead over Cleveland to two games. Every starter had at least one hit for Pittsburgh, and seven had two or more.

Chandler (7-9) allowed two runs on four hits, striking out eight and walking none. Staked to an early lead, the 23-year-old rookie right-hander retired the first 12 White Sox batters before Andrew Benintendi lined his first of two doubles to lead off the fifth.

Chicago’s Kyle Teel hit his second homer in two games and singled. Munetaka Murakami struck out four times.

Burke (8-7) gave up seven runs and eight hits to match career worsts and did it while getting only four outs, his shortest outing in three years in the majors. The right-hander leads the White Sox in innings pitched and had thrown 5 2/3 scoreless innings of one-hit ball in his previous start at Houston.

The Pirates jumped ahead 5-0 in the first. The first seven Pittsburgh batters reached base before Burke fanned Jacob Gonzalez for the first out.

Konnor Griffin, Reynolds, Cruz and Esmerlyn Valdez all lined deep doubles off center-cut pitches. Horwitz and Flores singled and Brandon Lowe walked before Burke retired three straight.

The Pirates upped it to 7-0 in the second. Tyler Schweitzer relieved with one out and the bases loaded and yielded a single to Horwitz that scored two runs.

Flores added a solo shot and Reynolds a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 9-0.

Up next

RHP Lake Bachar (1-3, 3.59 ERA) will open for the Pirates against White Sox RHP Davis Martin (9-6, 4.13) on Wednesday night.

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has made a change to the process of selecting the team’s captains.

McCarthy said during a press conference yesterday: “We’ll do the weekly captain format.”

The Steelers and other teams usually have team captains for the season.

The Steelers captains last season were quarterback Aaron Rodgers, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, linebacker T.J. Watt, and safety/special teams player Miles Killebrew.

Killebrew is the only captain from last year’s Steelers team that is not on the team this year because he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of BoxStrong, Posted on Facebook on July 21st, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) An event in Beaver County made more people aware of human trafficking yesterday.

Box Strong’s fitness competition called “The Forge” returned to Aliquippa for its second year on Labor Day to bring together community members to compete for a purpose. 

Box Strong partnered with the Asservo Project this year during this event.  

The Asservo Project is a local nonprofit that is focused on educating communities about human trafficking, as well as identifying and stopping predators and supporting survivors of human trafficking. 

According to organizers, 120 people took part in the competition, and this included rowing, biking, skiing and running events.  

Each of the competitors also selected a shoe upon arrival, and the shoes are meant to represent a victim of human trafficking.

The competitors had to match the shoe at the end of the competition.

Organizers are hoping to raise over $20,000 by continuing to grow this event and expanding awareness about human trafficking.