Phillies Fall To The Pirates 4-1
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Francisco Liriano struck out a season-high 12 in eight dominant innings, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 on Thursday night.
Liriano allowed only six runners for the Pirates, who have won seven of eight to strengthen their hold on the second wild-card spot in the National League.
Ike Davis and Neil Walker broke out of slumps with RBI hits, and Pittsburgh scored three times in the sixth inning.
Liriano (5-10) got rare run support from his teammates, who had scored three runs or fewer in 13 of the left-hander's last 17 appearances. He struck out at least 12 for the fifth time in his career and won his second consecutive decision.
Mark Melancon allowed one of two runners left by Jared Hughes to score in the ninth, but earned his 29th save in 33 opportunities.
Philadelphia starter A.J. Burnett (8-16) allowed four runs and six hits in six innings.
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