Sloppy Phils Fall to Pirates, 6-5

PITTSBURGH -- Despite being given a lead, the Pittsburgh Pirates did their best to give it back.

Jack Wilson's bases-loaded double capped a five-run third inning and Mike Williams worked in and out of trouble in the ninth for his eighth save as the Pirates held on for their fifth straight victory, 6-5 over the Philadelphia Phillies.

	Terry Adams seeks some advice during the five-run (all unearned) third inning. (AP)

The Pirates matched their longest winning streak of the season, also running off five consecutive victories following an Opening Day loss.

Wilson went 3-for-4 for Pittsburgh, which profited from two errors by Philadelphia in the third that led to five unearned runs.

"I knew I hit it pretty good," Wilson said of his double. "But at PNC Park, it's not likely to go out. But I knew it had a chance go over (left fielder Pat) Burrell's head."

The shortstop has batted .467 (7-for-15) in his last five games after going 3-for-28 in his first eight.

Pittsburgh had a 6-0 advantage, but Philadelphia's Scott Rolen launched a three-run blast off starter Ron Villone (2-2) in the top of the sixth and Mike Lieberthal hit a two-run shot off Mike Fetters in the eighth to get the Phillies within 6-5.

Williams relieved Fetters to start the ninth and Travis Lee reached on an error by the closer. With two out and runners at first and second, Williams fanned Doug Glanville.

Philadelphia has lost seven of its last nine games and fell to 2-6 on the road.

There was one out in the bottom of the third when Abraham Nunez reached on an error by Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

After Brian Giles flied out, Kevin Young singled, advancing Nunez to third. Armando Rios plated Nunez with a single, moving Young to second. Rob Mackowiak, who got the start in place of injured third baseman Aramis Ramirez, reached on an infield single to load the bases.

Filling in for All-Star Jason Kendall, who left Friday's game with a concussion, backup catcher Keith Osik reached on an error as Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal failed to field the ball cleanly in front of home plate. Young scored, making it 2-0, and the bases were full once again for Wilson.

"It was just a strange inning," said Phillies starter Terry Adams (0-2). "You just try to give your guys a chance. There were a couple of weak hits and it just seemed to get away."

"They were routine plays that should have been made," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said. "We were playing Wilson shallow. He hits the ball the other way. If we make the plays, it doesn't matter on the pitch directions."

Wilson doubled to left field, driving home Rios, Osik and Mackowiak to increase Pittsburgh's advantage to 5-0.

"Guys off the bench are doing a great job," Wilson said. "It's really fun to get involved with the offense a little bit."

Williams kicked the ball in the top of the ninth as Lee, representing the tying run, reached on the error. But Osik pounced Tomas Perez's bunt and got the lead runner at second for the first out.

After pinch hitter John Mabry popped out, Rollins worked a walk, moving Perez to second and keeping alive the until Williams took care of Glanville.

Villone allowed three runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out four, walked five and was aided by his defense, which turned three double plays in the opening five innings.

"We knew in spring training the defense would be there," Villone said. "Our guys in the field were giving the pitcher a real chance to win. Even though Philadephia didn't really have many hits, I struggled some. But our guys came up with the DPs. That makes it easier to be out there on the mound."

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