A two-run home run by Rafael Flores Jr allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to complete a sweep of the Royals, defeating KC by a 4-3 score Sunday, Sept. 20 at PNC Park.
Nate Pearson gave up the home run in his second blown save of the season, starting with a leadoff single to Ryan O’Hearn before Flores blasted a two-one pitch 429 yards over left field. Pearson had been tasked to keep the lead KC had grabbed back in the top of the seventh when Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run home run of his own. The Royals grabbed an early lead when Salvador Perez singled home Bobby Witt Jr. The Pirates tied the game in the fourth with Oneil Cruz’ 20th home run of the season, then took the lead two innings later with a Spencer Horwitz single.
Michael Wacha pitched five-and-two-thirds in his start, allowing two runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts. Carmen Mlodzinski improved to 8-7 on the year with a three-inning appearance from the bullpen, allowing Pasquantino’s home run among three hits and a walk, with one punchout.
The Royals fall to 67-89 and wrap up the road portion of the season with a 28-53 mark. After an off-day, the Royals begin their final homestand of the year with three games against the Chicago White Sox, who trail Cleveland for the AL Central by one game.