The Royals led 3-0 after Perez’s homer and a monster two-run shot from rookie Jac Caglianone but saw that advantage evaporate as the Pittsburgh Pirates scored three runs in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium.

For all their ongoing struggles, the Pittsburgh Pirates deserved to take some pride in their recent six-game win streak, which saw the club put together a perfect homestand ahead of nine straight on the road.