By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
After splitting their six-game homestand, the Philadelphia Phillies (51-47) started their five-game road trip on a positive note Friday evening at PNC Park, defeating their Pennsylvania state rival Pittsburgh Pirates (45-51), 6-1. The Phillies have now won three of their last four games and four of their last six.
The Pirates got out to an early 1-0 lead in the second, when with two outs Pirates catcher Elias Diaz laced a RBI single to center field. Another run from either side would not score until the top of the fifth, when rookie Adam Haseley drilled his second career home run — and second in as many games — to center, tying the game at one. Earlier in the game, Haseley recorded his first career outfield assist.
402 feet later, the #Phillies' Adam Haseley has #MLB homer No. 2.
The 2017 first-round #MLBDraft pick is up to 12 dingers across @MLB and @MiLB this season. pic.twitter.com/8bVOZiaWtB
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 20, 2019
Bryce Harper would produce the game-winning run two innings later, when with runners on the corners and two outs, he hit a RBI single, his 70th RBI, to center to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. The next inning, Jean Segura worked a 13-pitch at-bat, with the bases loaded and two outs, that resulted after replay review in a RBI infield single.
The Phillies added three insurance runs in the ninth, highligted by Maikel Franco's RBI single and Haseley's RBI double to deep right, his second extra-base hit of the game.
Despite pitching his second straight start with a bone spur, Jake Arrieta managed to allow just one run, six hits and two walks, while punching out four batters, through 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander was credited with the winning decision, improving his record to 4-2 over eight starts since the start of June.
In relief of Arrieta, the Phillies bullpen in Juan Nicasio (1/3 inning), Jose Alvarez (one inning) and Cole Irvin (two innings) allowed just one baserunner, while striking out one batter. Pirates starter Jordan Lyles allowed one through, seven hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings.
Nicasio earned the winning decision, while Irvin was credited with his first career save.
The Phillies have scored 24 runs over their last four games, and with the win, they have now won seven of their last eight games against the Pirates dating back to last season.
Game Notes:
What an at-bat by Segura — he battles for 13 pitches and then beats out an infield hit with two outs, juuuust touching 1B before Pirates pitcher Crick. Call stands after replay review. Phillies lead Pirates 3-1 in the 8th and still have bases loaded. pic.twitter.com/QhnKAPfXIx
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) July 20, 2019
- They Phillies have won consecutive games for first time since June 30-July 1, with the offense producing 15 hits and going 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position, albeit leaving 13 on base. The Phillies left the bases loaded in the first, seventh and eighth innings.
- Harper is now slashing .260/.373/.479 this season, going 2-for-5 with a RBI and strikeout on Friday.
- With the no-decision, Lyles has now won only two of his 15 career games (13 starts) at PNC Park.
- The Pirates have lost each of Lyles' last seven starts, and are just 1-6 since the All-Star break.
- The Phillies are now 21-36 all-time at PNC Park. A win on Saturday would mark the first-ever time they won consecutive series at the venue, since it opened in 2001. As Matt Breen notes, the last time the Phillies won back-to-back series in Pittsburgh was 1987.
Phillies C J.T. Realmuto came into tonight throwing out an MLB-best 46.6% of runners, but the Pirates have stolen two bases because Jake Arrieta has been incredibly slow in his delivery out of the stretch. Pirates should run on him all night. Leaving Realmuto no chance.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 19, 2019
What's Next:
- Saturday, July 20, 2019: at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
- PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- RHP Zach Eflin (7-9, 4.16 ERA) vs. RHP Joe Musgrove (6-8, 4.31 ERA)
- TV: NBCSP; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
