Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies Match Player Stats On Apr 20, 2018

In a game that featured a strong pitchers' duel between Pirates right-hander Ivan Nova and Phillies righty Ben Lively, Philadelphia broke through for the game-winning run against the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Cesar Hernandez led off the last of the eighth with a double off the third Pirates pitcher, George Kontos (1-2). After Hernandez took third on an infield out, Herrera lashed his triple to right field, giving the Phillies their first lead of the game at 2-1.

Phillies closer Hector Neris held on from there for his third save, shutting the door on the Pirates in the ninth after giving up a one-out double to Jordy Mercer. Luis Garcia (2-1), who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, got the win.

Nova and Lively had dueling shutouts until the Pirates were the first to push across a run in the top of the sixth. Lively set the stage by hitting Francisco Cervelli with a pitch. Colin Moran's double sent Cervelli to third, and he scored on Mercer's sacrifice fly.

The Phillies wasted no time getting even in the bottom of the inning, when singles by Carlos Santana and Herrera put runners on first and third with one out. Rhys Hoskins tied the game at 1-1 with a fielder's choice ground ball.

Both starting pitchers departed after the sixth inning, and neither got a decision.

Nova allowed five hits in his six innings. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

Lively likewise gave up five hits, but also mixed in three walks. He struck out four.

Hernandez, Santana, Herrera and Maikel Franco had two hits apiece for the Phillies, who improved to 7-1 at home with the ninth win in their last 11 games. Philadelphia had opened a 10-game homestand with a 7-0 thrashing of Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

Gregory Polanco collected a double and a single for the Pirates, who have lost four of their last five.

The Phillies out-hit the Pirates 8-6.

--Field Level Media