Pirates Series

Game 1: Pirates 3, Phillies 2
Length of game: 2:51; W - McCutchen (1-3) - 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER; L - Hamels (6-7) - 7 IP, 3 ER; Dobbs goes 2 for 4 batting 2nd in makeshift lineup; Valdez records lone RBI (20) for Phillies; Pirates record just 5 hits in win

Game 2: Pirates 2, Phillies 0
Length of game: 2:22; W - Ohlendorf (1-6) - 7 IP, 0 ER; L - Moyer (9-7) - 6 IP, 1 ER; LaRoches records lone RBI (13) for Pirates; Phillies combine to go 5 for 30 in shutout loss

Game 3: Phillies 12, Pirates 4
Length of game: 2:50; W - Kendrick (5-3) - CG, 3 ER; L - Maholm (5-7) - 3 IP, 7 ER; 15 hits, 2 home runes (Rollins (4), Francisco (1)) lift Phillies as Kendrick gives bullpen a much needed rest

Game 4: Pirates 8, Phillies 5
Length of game: ; W - Meek (4-2) - 1 IP, 0 ER; L - Contreras (-) - 1/3 IP, 3 ER; Blanton throws 6 1/3 innings, allows 5 ER in no-decision; both teams combine to hit 9 for 34

Final Analysis: With so many injuries and pitching struggles, the Phillies (42-38) are in deep trouble. Anything other than a sweep of the Braves (48-34) in their upcoming 3-game series might be unacceptable. The Phillies have 7 consecutive home games before the All-Star break (3 vs. Braves, 4 vs. Reds), and winning 5 to 7 of those games will be crucial for their reentry into the playoff picture.