Brandon Lowe’s go-ahead homer in the 8th lifts the Pirates past the Royals, 6-5

In a thrilling game, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night thanks to a crucial homer from Brandon Lowe in the eighth inning. Lowe's two-run blast propelled the Pirates to a winning position, marking his 33rd homer of the season and the second-most by a player in their first year with the team.

The home run also set a new club record for the Pirates, as they now have 96 round-trippers at PNC Park this year, surpassing the previous 95 set in 1947. Rookie outfielder Ronnie Simon contributed with his first career homer, while Jake Mangum added his fifth of the season for the victorious Pirates. The win extends their winning streak to three games and brings their record to 78-77, as they strive for their first winning season since 2018.

The Pirates' pitching staff, led by rookie Luke Weaver, was instrumental in the win, with Weaver pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Pittsburgh reliever Mason Montgomery also shined, working the ninth inning and securing his 15th save, having gone 22 2/3 innings without allowing a run. Meanwhile, the Royals struggled, failing to secure a win for the sixth time in their last seven games.

Starting pitcher Bubba Chandler was responsible for 90 pitches over four innings, allowing three runs and issuing a walk but striking out six. The series concluded on Sunday, with the Pirates yet to announce their starting pitcher for the final game.