Pirates SP Zach Duke allowed the visiting Phillies to take a six-run lead against him Friday, ultimately falling for the second time this season. His troubles started when he walked two of the first three batters. "Those two walks in the first inning really set the tone," Duke said. "I fell apart there. I wasn't really sharp. That's the way it goes." Duke allowed only those six runs in six innings, surrendering nine hits and three walks. He struck out two.

Pirates' Duke takes loss to Phillies

It was a rough outing for Pirates SP Zach Duke (0-1), who was 4-2 with a 2.01 ERA in nine previous starts against Chicago, during Sunday's 13-5 loss to the Pirates. This time, he allowed five runs and eight hits in four innings and his ERA climbed from 2.89 to 4.37. He walked two and hit two batters. Only 36 of his 69 pitches were strikes. "You can't overanalyze it too much," he said. "You can get into a big downward spiral if you let yourself do that. I'm going to take this one for what it is and bounce back next time."

Duke gives up four runs against Dodgers

Zach Duke scattered seven hits, allowed one walk and hit a batter in seven innings, but limited the Cubs to only one run. The Cubs could never collect the clutch hit when they needed it.The Pirates left-handed starter struck out six and walked but one in his no-decision.

Duke sharp against the Cubs

Duke hard luck loser against the Cubs

Zach Duke was dealt a no decision in his first start, and will be looking for his first win today as he challenges the Cubs, according to MLB.com.Duke is 4-2 with a 2.10 ERA in eight career starts against the Cubs, and will duel with hurler Ryan Dempster, who is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA so far this season.

Pirates' Duke throws 116 pitches to Braves