The Royals saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who outslugged Kansas City 12-9 in Bradenton.

The Pirates belted four home runs on a windy day, including long balls from normally light-hitting Frank Taveras and Omar Moreno. Former Royal Ed Kirkpatrick’s home run gave Pittsburgh the lead for good in the sixth inning.

Kansas City hitters enjoyed the blustery day as well, lighting up Pirates starter John Candelaria for nine runs in the first five innings. Joe Zdeb homered in the second and Al Cowens launched a three-run shot in the fourth. But three Pirates relievers shut down the Royals over the last four innings, allowing Pittsburgh to come back for the win.

With the loss, the Royals’ spring training mark stood at 16-9.

Off the field, the team placed outfielder Tom Poquette on the disabled list, retroactive to March 30. A chest virus was giving the 25-year-old outfielder chest pains, and doctors decided he needed complete rest. 

Today’s birthdays: Louis Coleman (1986), Miguel Almonte (1993)