A late swing settled a back-and-forth game as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Kansas City Royals. Brandon Lowe's home run in the eighth gave Pittsburgh the lead for good.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KC | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | X | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Lowe powered the Pirates' offense and provided the final turn in the game. Ronny Simon and Jake Mangum also homered as Pittsburgh built its early advantage.
Ronny Simon's home run brought Brandon Lowe home in the second. Carter Jensen answered with a reviewed home run in the third, but Jake Mangum's home run brought Nick Gonzales across in the fourth. Kansas City tied the game in the seventh when Jac Caglianone scored on a single by Nick Loftin. Brandon Lowe then homered in the eighth, with Jared Triolo scoring, to put Pittsburgh back in front.
Noah Cameron kept Kansas City within reach before the Royals rallied against Pittsburgh's bullpen. Steven Cruz took the loss after Lowe's home run, while Mason Montgomery closed the ninth for the Pirates.
Pittsburgh extended its winning streak, while Kansas City extended its losing streak. The late swing defined a game that kept changing hands until the final lead held.
Pittsburgh Pirates defeated Kansas City Royals, 6-5.
- Brandon Lowe went 2-for-4 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored (batting .262 on the season).
- Ronny Simon went 1-for-4 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored (batting .313 on the season).
- Jake Mangum went 1-for-3 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored (batting .281 on the season).
- Luke Weaver allowed 0 runs on 0 hits over 1.0 inning, striking out 1, to earn the win (2-1) (2.79 ERA).
- Mason Montgomery allowed 0 runs on 0 hits over 1.0 inning, striking out 1, and closed it out for the save (15) (2.63 ERA).
- Steven Cruz allowed 2 runs on 2 hits over 1.0 inning, striking out 1, and took the loss (2-4) (4.37 ERA).
Pittsburgh Pirates improved to 78-77 (3 straight wins); Kansas City Royals fell to 67-88 (3 straight losses).