Phillies vie for series split against Pirates in Thursday matinee

Jeff Francoeur's clutch throw from right field to complete a double play helped Jonathan Papelbon seal the Phillies all-time save record and snap a four-game losing streak.

On Thursday afternoon, the Phillies (12-23) return to the field for the final game of a four-game series against the Pirates (17-17) with former Phillie Vance Worley on the mound.

Starting Pitching Matchup

Aaron Harang has easily been the Phillies most serviceable starter this season, posting a strong 2.38 ERA in seven starts. Harang suffered the loss in his last start despite allowing three runs – two earned – on eight hits in seven innings. In 28 career starts against the Pirates, Harang is 16-8 with a 4.04 ERA. 

Starting Lineups

The Phillies make some minor adjustments to the lineup as Grady Sizemore gets a start in right field and Cameron Rupp comes in to catch for Harang. 

Noticeably absent from the Pirates lineup is Andrew McCutchen, who gets the day off. Starling Marte hits out of the cleanup spot between fixtures Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez.

Game Notes

• Phillies vs. Worley
• Ryan Howard: 0-for-2 (.000), 1 BB
• Freddy Galvis: 0-for-1 (.000), 1 BB
• Chase Utley: 0-for-3 (.000)
• Pirates vs. Harang
  • Starling Marte: 5-for-12 (.417), 2 K
  • Andrew McCutchen: 6-for-20 (.300), 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K
  • Neil Walker: 3-for-16 (.188), 2 RBI, 1 K
• The Phillies currently have an 0-4 record in games played on Thursdays. It is the only day in which they have not won a game this season.
• Wednesday night's win over the Pirates was just the Phillies second of the season against an NL Central opponent. The Phillies are 2-5 against teams in the NL Central.
• Wednesday's win also marked just the fourth of the season where the Phillies scored three runs or less. The Phillies are 4-19 in games where they scored three runs or less as compared to an 8-4 record when they score more than three runs. 

Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
Weather: 69 degrees, sunny, 0% PoP
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
TV: CSN, MLB Network
Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP, SBP 1480 (Spanish)

Kevin Durso is a contributing writer and editorial assistant for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.