PIRATES FOUR-GAME WIN STREAK SNAPPED BY ROYALS

Pittsburgh falls 3-0 on Thursday in Kansas City

Burch Smith's solid outing not enough to overcome Pittsburgh's offensive struggles

The Pittsburgh Pirates' four-game winning streak came to an end Thursday night as they fell 3-0 to the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Burch Smith started for the Pirates and turned in a solid outing, allowing just two runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. However, the Pirates' offense was unable to provide him with any support, mustering just four hits against Royals starter Brad Keller.

Keller allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings to earn the win for Kansas City. The Royals bullpen then turned in a strong performance, with Jake Brentz, Scott Barlow, and Josh Staumont combining to allow just two hits over the final three innings.

The Pirates had a chance to tie the game in the ninth inning after loading the bases with one out. However, Michael Chavis grounded into a double play to end the game.

The loss drops the Pirates to 32-34 on the season, while the Royals improve to 30-35.