Cruz, Gonzales Homer But Pirates Walked Off By Royals; Losing Streak Hits Five
Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each homered, but the Pittsburgh Pirates were walked off 4-3 by the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium on Tuesday for their fifth loss in a row.
How We Got There
Jac Caglianone hit a solo home run in the top of the second before Pirates starter Mitch Keller settled into a groove. The right-hander retired the next 16 batters he faced until the seventh inning.
With one out, Salvador Perez reached on catcher’s interference. Two batters later, Nick Loftin lined a two-run home run to left to put the Royals (45-48) ahead 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, the Pirates (38-55) tied the game at 1-all on a 458-foot home run from Oneil Cruz. It was announced earlier in the day that Cruz would be participating in this year’s home run derby.
Who else but Oneil Cruz to hit a HR 458 ft. 😅 pic.twitter.com/iMBx0T0Gsc
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 9, 2025
Three innings later, Nick Gonzales put the Pirates ahead 2-1 with a straightaway homer to center. Both blasts came off Royals starter Seth Lugo.
It's Gonzo 👋 pic.twitter.com/u1P7kN2Wvi
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 9, 2025
In the top of the eighth, the Pirates loaded the bases with one out against Lucas Erceg. They scored one run on Bryan Reynolds’ fielder’s choice which tied the game.
Key Moment
Nick Loftin again came through for the Royals in the bottom of the ninth with a walk-off single to center with runners on the corners and one out. Kansas City put two on against Dennis Santana (2-2) before Loftin singled off Isaac Mattson.
Star of the Game
Nick Loftin finished the game 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI. He set a season-high and matched a career-high by driving in three runs.
Stat to Know
Nick Loftin’s home run was his second in as many games this series. Entering Monday’s game, Loftin had two home runs in 102 career games.
Notable Performances
- Mitch Keller: 6.2 innings, four hits, three runs (two earned), one walk, five strikeouts, 93 pitches/63 strikes
- Nick Gonzales: 1 for 4, one home run, one RBI, one run
- Oneil Cruz: 1 for 4, one home run, one RBI, one run
Noteworthy
- The Pirates recalled OF Jack Suwinski from Triple-A Indianapolis. RHP Chase Shugart was placed on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation.
- Pittsburgh is 0-5 on its current road trip after going 6-0 on their last homestand prior to the All-Star break.
Up Next
The Pirates will try and put an end to their five-game losing streak in the series finale on Wednesday night. LHP Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.69 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh opposite fellow LHP Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.36 ERA). First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET.
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