The Kansas City Royals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 last night at PNC Park. Starting pitcher Mitch Keller was pulled in the third inning after allowing four earned runs and walking five. His record fell to 1-3 and his ERA rose to 8.20 this season. Sean Poppen and Chris Stratton allowed five more runs in relief of Keller. Erik Gonzales and Jacob Stallings hit home runs for the Pirates.
The Bucs are off today, then will open a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals Friday night.
Last night’s loss dropped the Pirates to 12-12 this season. They remain tied for second place with the Cardinals in the National League Central Division, two games behind Milwaukee. All five of the N.L. Central Division teams lost yesterday.