KANSAS CITY -- Andre Jackson continues to build his case for future consideration in the Pirates’ starting pitching plans.

All in all, Jackson had quite a night at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday as Pittsburgh completed a three-game sweep over the Royals with a 4-1 victory. Jackson set the tone in his third Pirates’ start by delivering 5 2/3 innings and allowing just one run while picking up his first victory. Jackson struck out a career-high seven, all in the opening three innings. The right-hander fanned the first five hitters he faced and became the first Pirate since Bruce Kison in 1979 to accomplish that feat.

“I started strong and then maybe lost a little steam,” Jackson said. “I had a good fastball early and then started mixing in the changeup late. I’ve learned a lot about attacking guys and being relentless from pitch one.”

Used out of the bullpen most of the year, Jackson has made an impression on Pirates manager Derek Shelton. 

Asked what he liked about Jackson on Wednesday, Shelton talked about his ability to adjust and keep getting outs even after his initial velocity began to wane. The only glitch for Jackson came in the fourth when Bobby Witt Jr. drilled a solo homer.

“Early on, it was the velo and the slider,” Shelton said. “Then we saw in the fourth and fifth that the velo started to tick down. But the changeup still played and he was able to execute pitches.”

With third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes getting a night off, the Pirates’ offense still had enough juice to give the pitching staff a working margin. Leading the attack was Jack Suwinski, who produced an RBI single and a solo homer, which was his first long ball since July 24.

“We got to see Jack smile,” Shelton said.

Suwinski received a big reception when he returned to the dugout.

“It was awesome,” Suwinski said of the big dugout welcome. “It’s great having the players and staff [provide support].”

The Pirates also received a homer from Bryan Reynolds and an RBI double from Vinny Capra. It was the first career RBI for Capra, who started at third base with Hayes sitting out.

For Pittsburgh, it was the first series sweep since June 27-29 against the Padres at PNC Park. The Pirates had previously swept two road series this season at Boston and Colorado.

By finishing August with a flourish, Pittsburgh concluded the month 14-15 after struggling the previous three months. The Pirates went only 8-18 in May, 11-15 in June and 8-16 in July. Now the question is whether Pittsburgh can have a robust September and create strong vibes heading into 2024.

If Jackson’s outing on Wednesday is any indication, he could be part of the club’s long-term pitching solution.

“He has really run with [the opportunity],” Shelton said. “He has been aggressive and gone right after people.”