The Pirates outscored the Mets and Cardinals 43-4 over a six-game winning streak at PNC Park and have now lost four straight on the road while mustering three runs -- all in tonight's 9-3 loss to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium -- two extra-base hits, one home run and 16 hits. 

"I think that as you go through a season, these times do get frustrating, especially with the offense not clicking," Don Kelly said. "It's really fun, there's a lot of energy when the offense was clicking at home and things were going really well. Now, we need to find a way to pick that up."

The offense now resembles what it has been all season. They've struck out 44 times in the last four games, have failed to string hits and have gone 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.

During that winning streak, they utilized timely hitting and a flash of power.

"Individually, it's figuring out what you can do to help the team win. Not trying to do too much." Ke'Bryan Hayes said when I asked how the offense can turn things around. "Then, as a collective, especially offensively, just trying to get guys on every inning. That makes it tough for the opposing pitcher whenever you’re getting guys on every inning, getting through the lineup, turning the lineup over. It’s easier said than done, but we just have to figure out a way to do it." 

There's not a switch the Pirates can flip. They'll get an occasional spark from Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds or Andrew McCutchen. However, this offense, like any, is successful when it strings hits and walks. Their five-hit, four-run inning against the Mets on June 27 and their five-hit, three-run inning the following night are primary examples.

"It's baseball, but at the end of the day, you still have to figure it out," Hayes said.