Writer: Kevin Durso

Lannan and Locke duel in middle match against Pirates

Kevin Durso Sports Editor

Published03 Jul 2013

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John Lannan starts on Wednesday coming off his first win of the season in his last start. (Kevin Durso/Philliedelphia)

Everything seemed to click for the Phillies on Tuesday night. That's how they came away with another victory on the road trip that snapped a long winning streak for the opponent.

Don't look past how close the Phillies were to losing on Tuesday. There were times things got too close for comfort. Every once in a while, even the unluckiest of teams finds a way to escape trouble.

With a win under their belts in this three-game series against baseball's best, the Phillies (40-44) take on the Pirates (51-31) again on Wednesday night.

John Lannan (1-2, 4.83 ERA) gets the start for the Phillies. Lannan was the beneficiary of the largest run support of the season. While the Phillies piled 16 runs on the Dodgers, Lannan allowed just one in seven innings, getting his first win of the season. Lannan has not faced the Pirates in nearly two years, making his last start against them on July 2, 2011. He allowed three runs in seven innings, taking a no-decision. In his career against the Pirates, Lannan is 1-4 with a 4.53 ERA. At PNC Park, he is 1-3 with a 4.21 ERA.

The Phillies will face left-hander Jeff Locke (7-1, 2.06 ERA). Locke last pitched on July 25, eight days ago, allowing two runs in seven innings for a win over the Mariners. Locke's only loss of the season came in his first start. Locke has made one start against the Phillies in his career, pitching six scoreless innings and getting the win on April 23. In his career at PNC Park, he is 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA.

Game Notes:

The Phillies have not won a series in Pittsburgh since April 2008. The Phillies will claim the series against the Pirates with a win in one of the final two games.
John Mayberry Jr. has one of two hits for current Phillies off Jeff Locke. It is a triple. The other hit is by Ryan Howard, who is out of the lineup with knee soreness.
Andrew McCutchen has a .438 lifetime average (7-for-16) against John Lannan. He has two doubles, a triple, a home run and two RBI.

Phillies lineup