Overview
- The Pirates rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Royals 8-5 on Friday night, collecting 15 hits and improving to 77-77.
- Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, 20, had four hits and an RBI single that capped a three-run seventh-inning rally after returning from a two-month left-hand injury.
- Brandon Lowe supplied power with his 32nd home run, contributing to Pittsburgh's late push to take the lead.
- Starter Paul Skenes allowed five runs in six innings and took a no-decision while reliever Yohan Ramirez earned the win and Gregory Soto recorded his 15th save, his first since Aug. 1.
- With eight games remaining the victory preserves a path to an above-.500 finish and sets up Saturday's probable matchup of Royals right-hander Noah Cameron against Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler.