Phillies Defeat Pirates 4-2 Behind Strong Harang Outing
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Aaron Harang scattered five hits over eight scoreless innings and Ryan Howard hit his team-leading seventh home run, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
The Phillies won their second straight, matching their longest winning streak of the season and salvaging a split in the four-game series. The Pirates (17-18) avoided a shutout when Starling Marte doubled to deep center field off Ken Giles with one out in the ninth, scoring Josh Harrison.
Jonathan Papelbon, who became the Phillies' all-time franchise saves leader Wednesday night, recorded the final two outs for his eighth save in eight chances this season. Marte scored on Pedro Alvarez's groundout to first.
Harang (4-3) settled into a groove after escaping trouble in the first inning, when he needed 27 pitches and left two runners in scoring position.
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