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(AP) - Erik Bedard pitched seven solid innings, Neil Walker had three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Friday night for their 10th victory in the last 13 games.

Bedard (4-6) allowed two runs and five hits as Pittsburgh captured the opening game of a series for the sixth consecutive time.

The Pirates (30-27) also moved three games over .500 for the first time this season.

Jason Grilli worked a perfect eighth and Joel Hanrahan retired the side in order in the ninth for his 16th save in 18 opportunities.

Yuniesky Betancourt drove in a run and scored for the Royals, who have lost four of six.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)