Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. Kansas City Royals

Jul 20, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates batter Pedro Alvarez (24) hits a RBI single against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Game Three: Charlie Morton (6-3, 4.34 ERA) vs. Edinson Volquez (8-5, 3.28 ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 5-1

Winning Pitcher: Edinson Volquez (9-5, 3.15 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Charlie Morton (6-4, 4.59 ERA)

• What went right:
  • Charlie Morton had a very electric start. The final numbers won’t show it because he likely stayed in one batter too long, but he kept the Royals off the scoreboard for most of his outing, going 6.2 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out four.
  • Starling Marte just keeps getting hits. He had a third straight multi-hit game, going 3-4.
  • Jung-ho Kang had another multi-hit game of his own, going 2-4.
  • Pedro Florimon had some very solid defensive plays from the short stop position.

• What went wrong:
  • Edinson Volquez was everything he was for the Pirates in 2014, going 7.2 innings, allowing one run on eight hits and striking out eight.
  • Mike Moustakas had the deciding blow, hitting a towering three-run home run in the seventh inning. He went 1-4 with three RBIs and a run scored.
  • Eric Hosmer also homered for the Royals, which was the game-tying solo home run in the fourth inning. He went 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
  • Pirates were never able to get the big hit. They went 0-7 with runners in scoring position.

Next: Conclusion