The Kansas City Royals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 last night, with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. The loss extended the Pirates losing streak to five games. The Bucs broke out of a batting slump with five extra-base hits.
Oneil Cruz hit his 16th home run of the season in the fourth inning to tie the game at 1-1. Nick Gonzales hit his 4th home run of the year in the top of the seventh to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead, but Mitch Keller gave up a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning before leaving the game. Keller had gotten two outs in the inning surrounding a batter reaching on catcher Henry Davis’ interference prior to the round-tripper.
Keller pitched 6-2/3rds innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out five. He lowered his ERA to 3.58, but did not figure into the decision.
Reliever Dennis Santana took the loss after allowing two singles in the top of the ninth inning. Isaac Mattson then allowed the game-winning single to the only batter he faced.
The Bucs and Royals complete their series tonight at 7:40pm. Pre-game on WISR begins at 7:15pm. Bailey Falter will start for the Pirates.
The Bucs move on to Minnesota after an off-day Thursday. The Major League All-Star Break begins Monday.
The post Pirates lose in walk-off to Kansas City appeared first on ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA.
