A day after using everyone in the bullpen except closer Jonathan Papelbon, the Phillies nearly were forced into the bullpen early again. The Pirates, who snapped a three-game losing streak with a season-high 11 runs Wednesday, picked up where they left off with a big first inning. They dinged starter Kyle Kendrick for five runs in the first, getting a three-run homer from McGehee - his fifth - and a solo blast from Alvarez - his 14th.

Kendrick (2-8) rebounded to retire 19 of the final 23 batters he faced, but the damage was done, and he lost his fourth straight decision. He allowed five runs on six hits over seven innings.

Pirates starter A.J. Burnett (9-2) struck out seven and allowed three runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings to win his eighth straight start. Burnett has turned in quality starts in eight of his last 10 outings.

The Phillies pulled within 5-4 on Hunter Pence's 14th homer - a solo shot in the eighth - but Joel Hanrahan got Pence to fly out and strand the tying run at third in the ninth for his 20th save.

Erik Kratz hit his second home run - a two-run shot in the second - for Philadelphia, which has lost two straight.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Kendrick has a 7.67 ERA in the five starts since his last win June 1. … Six of Alvarez's 14 home runs have come in his past 12 games. … Opposing base runners are 17-for-17 in stolen base attempts against Burnett this season after Juan Pierre chalked up his 18th steal against him Thursday.