As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for their highly anticipated clash against the Chicago White Sox this weekend, interim manager Don Kelly isn’t pulling any punches. In a fiery pre-game press conference Friday afternoon, Kelly sent a crystal-clear warning to their rivals: “We’re not here to play it safe. We’re here to take over.”
The message comes on the heels of the Pirates’ recent hot streak, with the team winning 8 of their last 10 games and climbing back into playoff contention. Kelly, who took the managerial reins earlier this season after Derek Shelton’s unexpected departure, has quickly established himself as a vocal and aggressive leader — a stark contrast to his more reserved predecessors.
“We’ve got momentum, we’ve got heart, and we’ve got something to prove,” Kelly declared. “Chicago’s a strong team, no doubt. But we’re not backing down — not for them, not for anyone.”
The matchup with the White Sox carries more weight than a typical midseason series. With both teams hovering around the wild card threshold, the games could play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff picture. Kelly emphasized the importance of making a statement early in the series, both on the scoreboard and in their physical presence on the field.
Veteran Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller echoed Kelly’s sentiment. “Don’s energy is contagious. He’s got us believing again — not just in winning, but in dominating,” Keller said during the same press conference. “We’re not just showing up — we’re showing out.”
The Pirates’ roster has been clicking on all cylinders lately, with rising star shortstop Oneil Cruz showcasing both defensive wizardry and explosive power at the plate. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds continues to be the offensive anchor, while the bullpen, long considered a weak point, has been surprisingly airtight in recent weeks.
The White Sox, for their part, have remained largely silent in response to Kelly’s remarks. Manager Pedro Grifol declined to address the comments directly, telling reporters, “We’ll do our talking on the field.”
Still, fans on both sides are buzzing about the unexpected tension. Social media has lit up with memes, predictions, and debates following Kelly’s bold proclamation, and tickets for the series have sold out, with standing-room-only options now being offered at PNC Park.
Whether Kelly’s words are motivational genius or reckless bravado remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Pirates are coming into this showdown with fire in their eyes — and they’re daring the White Sox to meet them head-on.
First pitch is set for 7:05 PM on Saturday.
