A late swing settled a back-and-forth game as Pittsburgh beat Kansas City at PNC Park. Rafael Flores' home run in the eighth gave the Pirates the lead they kept through the finish.

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Flores carried Pittsburgh's offense with a home run and a key hit, while Oneil Cruz also homered earlier to bring the game level. Spencer Horwitz supplied the other important hit for the Pirates.

Rafael Flores homered with Ronny Simon scoring, putting Pittsburgh in front after Kansas City had taken the lead. Earlier, Vinnie Pasquantino's home run brought home John Rave and moved the Royals ahead, following Spencer Horwitz's single that scored Ryan O'Hearn. Oneil Cruz's homer had previously tied the game.

Kansas City struck first when Salvador Perez singled and Bobby Witt Jr. scored, but Michael Wacha and the Royals' relief corps could not preserve the advantage. Nate Pearson took the loss after the Pirates moved ahead.

Pittsburgh extended its winning streak, while Kansas City endured another loss. The game turned on one late swing, and Flores provided it.

By the Numbers

Pittsburgh Pirates defeated Kansas City Royals, 4-3.

  • Rafael Flores went 2-for-3 with 1 home run, 1 double, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored (batting .286 on the season).
  • Vinnie Pasquantino went 1-for-1 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs and 1 run scored (batting .244 on the season).
  • Oneil Cruz went 1-for-4 with 1 home run, 1 RBI and 1 run scored (batting .280 on the season).
  • Carmen Mlodzinski allowed 2 runs on 3 hits over 3.0 innings, striking out 1, to earn the win (8-7) (3.95 ERA).
  • Mason Montgomery allowed 0 runs on 1 hit over 1.0 inning, striking out 1, and closed it out for the save (16) (2.59 ERA).
  • Nate Pearson allowed 2 runs on 3 hits over 0.2 innings, striking out 1, and took the loss (1-3) (3.43 ERA).

Pittsburgh Pirates improved to 79-77 (4 straight wins); Kansas City Royals fell to 67-89 (4 straight losses).

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