Phillies' offense missing in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ross Ohlendorf became the third Pirates starting pitcher in as many days to win for the first time this season, limiting the slumping Philadelphia Phillies to five hits over seven innings in Pittsburgh's 2-0 victory Friday night.

The Phillies' seemingly ageless Jamie Moyer was masterful at age 47 in his 625th career start, but two infield singles by the Pirates that barely traveled 90 feet combined and the pitcher's throwing error led to Philadelphia's fourth loss in five games.

Ohlendorf (1-6) was 0-8 in 16 starts since Aug. 18 before striking out eight and walking one against a lineup that was missing the injured Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz and was also without Shane Victorino, who was rested. The right-hander got key outs when needed, retiring Ben Francisco on a sliding catch by right fielder Lastings Milledge with two on in the sixth and pinch-hitter Victorino on a grounder with a runner on second an inning later.

Despite losing to the last-place Pirates for the second straight night, the two-time defending NL champion Phillies are 41-37, the same record they had at this stage last season. The Pirates had lost 18 of 22 going into the series.

Moyer (9-7), coming off three consecutive victories, struck out Garrett Jones and Milledge after Andrew McCutchen singled to start the fourth. But Ryan Doumit beat out a dribbler down the line that was out of the range of both Moyer and third baseman Greg Dobbs.

After Bobby Crosby walked, Andy LaRoche hit a nearly identical slow roller toward third that Moyer picked up hastily, causing him to throw wildly down the first base line. McCutchen and Doumit scored, with LaRoche credited with one RBI.

Ohlendorf and two relievers didn't need any more runs than that against an offense that is struggling to score runs again, much like the Phillies were a month ago when they scored 14 runs in 11 games. Philadelphia was shut out for the eighth time.

Before the game, manager Charlie Manuel said two Phillies needed to get hot and carry the offense — he didn't care which ones — to carry them through this stretch with an injury-thinned lineup. But it didn't happen against Ohlendorf, who hasn't allowed an earned run over 14 innings in his last two starts.

Octavio Dotel finished up in the ninth for his 18th save in 21 opportunities — and his 15th in 16 tries — after Joel Hanrahan pitched the eighth.

Ohlendorf's win followed those by rookies Brad Lincoln on Wednesday (Cubs) and Daniel McCutchen on Thursday (Phillies).

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was struck by a pitch from Ohlendorf in the third, but the fastball appeared to only graze the bill of Rollins' batting helmet, which flew off. Rollins wasn't shaken up and quickly went to first base after being checked momentarily by a trainer.

Moyer lasted six innings, striking out eight, walking two and allowing five singles.

NOTES: Phillies C Brian Schneider apparently won't go on an already crowded DL with a hyperextended left thumb, but was held out. … Pirates LH Zach Duke (strained elbow) threw 46 pitches in a bullpen session and is expected to make the first of two rehabilitation starts Monday for Double-A Altoona. … Pirates RH Charlie Morton was reinstated from the DL (shoulder fatigue) and optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he was pitching on a rehabilitation assignment.

Associated Press