The Pittsburgh Pirates trailed by four runs and needed every out they could get, but they got all of them on Friday, September 18, 2026, rallying past the Kansas City Royals 8-5 at PNC Park. Konnor Griffin went 4-for-5 with two RBI, Brandon Lowe clubbed a two-run home run, and a trio of relievers slammed the door after Paul Skenes gave up five earned runs in six innings. The comeback — erasing a deficit of four — gives Pittsburgh a gutty Friday night win heading into the weekend.

Pirates Offense Chips Away, Then Breaks Through Against Kansas City Pitching

Kansas City starter Randy Dobnak did not survive the fourth inning, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 3.2 frames. Pittsburgh's lineup punished him early and often, with Griffin at the center of every big inning. The 21-year-old shortstop prospect collected four hits in five at-bats and drove in two, giving the Pittsburgh offense a relentless table-setter presence throughout the night.

Oneil Cruz added three hits in five at-bats, and Bryan Reynolds went 2-for-5 to keep the lineup churning. But the swing that shifted the game's momentum for good came from Brandon Lowe, whose two-run home run off Kansas City's relief corps pushed Pittsburgh ahead and gave the bullpen a lead to protect.

Spencer Horwitz contributed two hits and two RBI in just three at-bats, providing a timely boost out of the lineup's lower portion. When Pittsburgh needed runs, multiple contributors delivered them — a collective effort that made the comeback possible.

Paul Skenes Takes the No-Decision After Rough Stretch

Skenes pitched six innings, struck out seven batters, and held Kansas City to six hits and one walk — but the five earned runs he allowed kept Pittsburgh from pulling away early. Vinnie Pasquantino went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI for the Royals, and Michael Massey added a solo shot to stake Kansas City to what looked like a comfortable advantage.

Skenes's strikeout numbers were sharp, and his control — just one walk in six innings — was characteristic of his approach. But the Royals made enough contact to do damage, and Pittsburgh's deficit reached four runs before the offense answered.

Pittsburgh Bullpen Shuts Down Kansas City in Final Three Innings

The back end of the Pirates bullpen was the story of the final three frames. Brandon Eisert worked 0.2 innings, then Yohan Ramírez bridged the gap with 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out one and allowing no hits or walks. Ramírez earned the win. Gregory Soto closed it out with a clean ninth — two strikeouts, one hit, no runs — picking up the save.

Kansas City's Nate Pearson took the loss after allowing three earned runs on three hits in the eighth inning, the frame that effectively decided the game.

Key Performances at a Glance

  • Konnor Griffin: 4-for-5, 2 RBI
  • Oneil Cruz: 3-for-5
  • Brandon Lowe: 1-for-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Spencer Horwitz: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
  • Bryan Reynolds: 2-for-5
  • Paul Skenes: 6.0 IP, 7 K, 5 ER, 6 H, 1 BB
  • Yohan Ramírez (W): 1.1 IP, 1 K, 0 ER
  • Gregory Soto (SV): 1.0 IP, 2 K, 0 ER
  • Vinnie Pasquantino (KC): 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Michael Massey (KC): 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI

What's Next for the Pirates

Pittsburgh stays home at PNC Park for the continuation of this series against Kansas City. Friday's win — fueled by a 4-run comeback, a 13-hit offensive night, and three scoreless innings from the bullpen — is a result the Pirates can build on as the regular season winds toward its conclusion.