Game 3 - Sunday Afternoon, April 8th in Pittsburgh
Record - 1-2, 3rd Place in N.L. East, 2 games behind the Mets
One Sentence Summary: The offense sputtered to life a little, but the bullpen couldn't hold a three-run lead as the Pirates walked off again, 5-4.
What It Means: The Phillies are below .500 for the first time since April 24, 2009, when they had a record of 7-8. This wasn't exactly how the Phillies wanted to start the season, but they're heading home now and at least they don't have to face Rod Barajas again until late June.
What Went Wrong: The bullpen trio of Michael Stutes, Kyle Kendrick and David Herndon allowed four unanswered Pirates runs to score in the final three innings of the game. Vance Worley had a decent outing, lasting six innings and allowing just a run on five hits while striking out five.
On the offensive side of things, Hunter Pence had an RBI-double in the first and a solo homer in the fourth. It was the first home run of the season for the Phils. Juan Pierre added two hits and two RBIs in his first start of the season.
Jim Thome started at first for the first time since June 13, 2007. The big man went 0 for 3 with a strike out at the plate, but he did turn a nice 3-6-3 double play in the fourth.
Featured Card: Since PNC Park opened in 2001, the Phillies have won only two series from the Pirates there and the team's record in Pittsburgh is 14-24. They won a series back in 2008 and way back in 2001 after the park had just opened. On June 21, 2001, the bullpen arms of Wayne Gomes, Rheal Cormier, Ricky Bottalico and Jose Mesa were able to do what the Phillies couldn't do today - hold a lead.
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