Chris Archer pitched seven strong innings, and the Pittsburgh Pirates completed a three-game sweep and handed the Royals their 100th loss of the season with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday night.
In his most impressive start since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, Archer (5-8) allowed one run on six hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. The right-hander made it out of the sixth inning for the first time in nine starts for the Pirates, who traded for him in hopes of making a playoff run.
The Pirates remain marooned in fourth place in the NL Central despite a five-game winning streak that’s moved them three games over .