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Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s message to catcher Salvador Perez. Of course, Witt's high praise for the catcher doesn't come as a surprise, because in Perez's now 14-year career, he has proven to be a great player, earning nine All-Star appearances, five Silver Sluggers and five Gold Gloves.

It’s Wednesday, July 9 and the Pirates (38-55) are in Kansas City to take on the Royals (45-48). Bailey Falter is slated to take the mound for Pittsburgh against Kris Bubic for Kansas City.

The Royals' rookie hit another long home run, launching a record-breaking blast as Kansas City goes for the sweep against the Pirates.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will try to break their seven-game road slide in a matchup against the Kansas City Royals

The Pirates announced that they placed right-handed relief pitcher Chase Shugart on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation. This is the corresponding move for outfielder Jack Suwinski, who the Pirates recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Salvador Perez blasted the first pitch he saw on Wednesday night some 440 feet to center field, igniting the scoring for the Royals. 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.

Preview the July 9 matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.