Jake Mangum Opens Up On Pirates' 'Tight-Knit Group'

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Jake Mangum Opens Up On Pirates' 'Tight-Knit Group' originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pittsburgh Pirates were aggressive this offseason in adding more talent to the roster to compete for a playoff spot.

Although the Pirates made plenty of additions to the team, the group has already become close, which has led to their success, according to outfielder Jake Mangum.

"It’s a very tight-knit group that really cares about each other, genuinely is pulling for everybody to do well and to be the hero, to get the big hit, to get the big out,” Mangum said. “It starts with individual work ethic, for sure, but it’s a team game.”

Mangum has become a veteran leader in the clubhouse, especially for rookie Konnor Griffin. Mangum is 10 years older than Griffin, but come from the same place, as they both attended Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, Mississippi.

The two have lockers next to each other and even trained together this offseason.

"I’m proud of Konnor,” Mangum said. “He keeps playing good ball, and he’s going to be good for a long time for Pittsburgh. Everybody that pulls for the Pirates, pulls for the Pittsburgh community, they should be really happy that this guy’s going to be here for a long time.”

With the Pirates having a tight-knit clubhouse, the next step is turning that into wins on the baseball diamond. Pittsburgh is 25-24 and is 4-6 in its last 10, as the Pirates have struggled as of late.

The Pirates will look for their series win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, with first pitch set for 1:10 p.m. ET.

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