Entering the bottom of the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night at PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates (30-27) had compiled just one run and were scoreless. That quickly changed. Over the course of the fourth inning, Pittsburgh scored five runs to work their way toward a 5-3 lead over the visiting Royals. Shortstop Clint Barmes got the scoring started with a bases-loaded single scoring Rod Barajas.
James McDonald took the mound for Pittsburgh. Thus far, the right-hander has given up five hits, two walks and three earned runs. McDonald, who threw 76 pitches, will not return to the game after Matt Hague came in to pinch hit for him in the bottom half of the inning.
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