Instant Replay: Pirates 4, Phillies 3

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BOX SCORE

PITTSBURGH — The Phillies fell down by four runs early and their comeback attempt fell short in a 4-3 loss to the Pirates Saturday. It was their fifth straight loss.

Pittsburgh scored four runs in the game’s first two innings, which proved more than the Phillies could overcome. 

The Phils loaded the bases in the eighth off left-hander Tony Watson after Ben Revere scored to cut Pittsburgh’s lead to 4-3. 

Maikel Franco and Cody Asche each grounded into fielder’s choices that allowed the Pirates to cut down runners at the plate. Freddy Galvis grounded out to end the inning.

Three of the Pirates' runs scored on balls that did not leave the infield. Gregory Polanco doubled in the first and scored after two fielder’s choices did not turn into outs for the Phillies. 

Starling Marte grounded to shortstop with Polanco running from second and Freddy Galvis’ throw hit Polanco. Andrew McCutchen then grounded to third and Franco’s throw beat Polanco home but Carlos Ruiz dropped the ball. 

Marte and McCutchen each drove in runs in the second on infield singles that put Pittsburgh up 4-1 early.

Starting pitching report
Sean O’Sullivan gave up four runs in his first two innings but settled down to work through the sixth. O’Sullivan (1-5) yielded eight hits, walked four and struck out one. 

Pittsburgh right-hander Gerrit Cole gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings. Cole (10-2) struck out seven and walked none.

Bullpen report
Justin De Fratus worked a scoreless seventh inning, striking out one batter. 

Jeanmar Gomez struck out one as he worked a perfect eighth inning.

Pittsburgh closer Mark Melancon picked up his 20th save with a perfect ninth.

At the plate
Chase Utley’s sacrifice fly in the first inning gave the Phillies their first lead and run of the series against Pittsburgh. 

Maikel Franco collected two hits and scored the Phillies' second run in the fourth on Freddy Galvis’ groundout. Franco extended his hitting streak to 11 games. 

Ben Revere finished with three hits and scored two runs.

Starling Marte had three hits, scored a run and drove one in for the Pirates.

Up next
The Phillies finish their series in Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon, as Cole Hamels (5-5, 3.19 ERA) takes the mound against Pittsburgh right-hander A.J. Burnett (6-2, 2.11 ERA).

The Phils looks to avoid being swept for the fifth time this season.

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