Phillies lose to Pirates 6-4

PHILADELPHIA -- Starling Marte hit a two-run homer and fell a triple short of the cycle to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 on Monday night.

Jeff Locke (7-4) struck out nine over seven strong innings to help the Pirates keep their grip on the second NL wild card. They entered with a half-game lead ahead of Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Locke and Kyle Kendrick (8-12) were in pitcher's duel until Pittsburgh bust open a one-run lead with four runs in the eighth. The Pirates won their fourth straight and are 65-50 since May 2.

Marte has been a big reason for the hot streak. He singled, doubled and homered in his first three plate appearances and extended his hitting streak to eight games.

Mark Melancon tossed a scoreless ninth for his 27th save.