Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 2, 2013 ) Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1

After having their nine-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates look to start a new one on Wednesday against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates still hold the majors’ top record at 51-31, and their surprising bullpen continues to impress with 24 1/3 scoreless innings over the last five games. Closer Jason Grilli’s 27 saves prior to the All-Star break are the most in club history.

While the Pirates’ bullpen ranks among the best in the majors, the Phillies are scrambling with setup man Mike Adams (shoulder) out for the season. Closer Jonathan Papelbon has blown three of his last five save opportunities, and the Phillies’ bullpen has been charged with seven of the team’s last 14 losses since June 7. Philadelphia’s offense has also been a source of frustration, but first baseman Ryan Howard was encouraged after snapping an 0-for-22 slump with two hits on Tuesday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH John Lannan (1-2, 4.83 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-1, 2.06)

Lannan picked up the first win of his Phillies' career last Friday against the Dodgers, yielding one run and five hits over seven innings. The 28-year-old lefty has recorded a quality outing in three of his first six starts this season. Andrew McCutchen is 7-for-16 with a home run against Lannan, who is 1-4 with a 4.53 ERA in nine career starts against the Pirates.

Locke had his scheduled start pushed back a day after he warmed up during Sunday's 14-inning victory over Milwaukee. He bolstered his bid for an All-Star invitation against the Mariners last Tuesday, when he yielded two runs over seven innings for his seventh consecutive winning decision. The 25-year-old lefty tossed six shutout innings against the Phillies on April 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates RHP A.J. Burnett (calf) could rejoin the starting rotation as soon as next week.

2. The Phillies have not won a series in Pittsburgh since April 25-27, 2008.

3. McCutchen is hitting .344 (55-for-160) in 41 games at PNC Park this season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Phillies 2