Revere powers Phillies past Pirates

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

Ben Revere found his power stroke.

Revere hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-5 on Friday night.

It took Revere 1,466 at-bats before he circled the bases for the first time as a major leaguer last May 28. He enters this season with two homers in 1,905 at-bats.

But Revere says he can drive the ball more this season. He showed he has some pop.

“I looked at old film of when I was in the minors and I was driving the ball, getting more triples and doubles,” Revere said. “I used to keep my bat in the zone instead of rolling over my swing.”

Cesar Hernandez led off the inning with a double against Angel Sanchez. Hernandez scored the tying run when catcher Tony Sanchez made a throwing error on Andres Blanco’s sacrifice.

Two outs later, Revere hit a liner over the right-field fence. Players leaped from the dugout and mobbed Revere at home plate.

“A walk-off is a walk-off,” Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. “He has the ability to drive the ball. He played a big guy’s game. It was a great time for that swing.”

The teams are finishing their exhibition season with two games in Philadelphia before opening the regular season Monday.

The Pirates start at Cincinnati. The Phillies host Boston.

Pirates starter Jeff Locke gave up four runs — three earned — and four hits in five innings.

Phillies starter Aaron Harang lasted 42/3 innings, allowing four runs and nine hits.

Andrew McCutchen had three hits and an RBI, and Jordy Mercer hit a solo homer for the Pirates.

STARTING TIME

Pirates: Locke, who beat out Vance Worley in competition to be the fifth starter, finished spring training with a 6.27 ERA.

“He managed the game very well, had a good two-seamer and elevated his fastball,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He was very efficient.”

Phillies: Harang, the No. 2 starter behind Cole Hamels, finished the spring with a 4.80 ERA. The 36-year-old righty is slated to start next Wednesday against Boston. He posted a career-best 3.57 ERA for Atlanta last year.

“The last one is usually a fine tuneup,” Harang said. “I had to make some adjustments getting used to the mound. I think I’m good to go.”