Despite Bryce Harper's standout performance with two hits, Philadelphia's offense encountered difficulties yet again, managing just five additional hits in a 5-2 defeat against Pittsburgh at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.
Cristopher Sanchez battled through six innings for the Phillies, conceding two runs on four hits and three walks, while also committing two errors that added to the team's struggles.
Former Phillie Bailey Falter delivered a strong showing for the Pirates, pitching five innings and giving up only one run on four hits while striking out four without issuing a walk.
"He threw the ball well. He commanded both sides of the plate, and I thought he did his job and gave them a chance to win," Harper said.
The Phillies' first run came courtesy of Bryson Stott in the fifth inning, seizing an opportunity created by Brandon Marsh's earlier double.
For the Pirates, Henry Davis contributed with a bases-loaded walk in the second inning, and Connor Joe added an RBI single in the fourth. Pittsburgh secured an insurance run in the seventh on a play where a Yunior Marte 98mph sinker crossed up J.T. Realmuto, allowing Davis to score.
It was a concerning moment for Realmuto, as it appeared the pitch hit his wrist just above his mitt. After consulting with medical staff, Realmuto opted to remain in the game.
"Trainers are going to check on him as always, but we don't think we are going to need x-rays or anything like that," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.
Davis had an impressive night for the Pirates, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs.
The Phillies staged a threat in the eighth when Alec Bohm earned a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run. However, lefty Aroldis Chapman's well-placed slider caught Marsh looking, leaving the bases loaded and stalling the rally.
Harper's two hits snapped a personal 0-for-18 skid at the plate. He also came close to a solo shot in the fourth inning, hitting a ball 402 feet to center that just missed going over the fence, and was later robbed on a diving snag by Bryan Reynolds in the eighth.
"The name of the game is getting hits, so I'm just trying to go up there and get the hits," Harper said. "I want to try and have good at-bats, so I have to stay the course and try to have better at-bats every day."
Nick Castellanos finished 1-for-4 and is hitting just .160 through the first 14 games of the season.
"I think his mental makeup is good," Thomson said. "He wants to grind through this and he's working very hard to get through it, so we'll go day-by-day and see where he's at."
The teams will reconvene on Saturday for the continuation of their four-game series, with Spencer Turnbull set to pitch for the Phillies against Marco Gonzales for the Pirates.
