Zach Duke pitched a complete game and gave up just three runs. But the Pirates managed just six hits off of Joe Blanton and two Phillies relievers.
Blanton went 7-1/3 and gave up just a single run – a solo homer to Garrett Jones in the first. Brandon Moss homered in the 9th off of Brad Lidge to pull the Pirates to within a run.
Philadelphia did all their damage in the third inning. Jayson Werth’s two run double capped the scoring. Only two of the runs were earned as an error by Andrew McCutchen (his second) allowed runners to advance an extra pair of bases.
Following the third, Duke retired the side in order in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th innings. Overall he gave up five hits and three walks while striking out six.
Blanton also struck out six and gave up four hits. Lidge picked up the win.
The Good
Duke, with a little more run support, would be on the All-Star team. He should have double digits in wins.
Welcome back, Freddy Sanchez. Two hits in his return to the line up.
The Bad
Offense. Sick of saying it. Help!
The Rest
Duke had three career complete games coming into this season and has three in 2009. The six strikeout effort is his second highest of the year.
Jones has a six game hitting streak.
Blanton has allowed just one run to the Pirates in 14-1/3 innings in two starts. He received a no decision in his first outing – 8/8/08.
