(Pittsburgh-AP) -- Kip Wells struck out nine over seven innings in pitching Pittsburgh past Milwaukee 6-and-3. The victory is Wells' fourth this season and his first at home in 14 starts, dating back more than a year. He helped himself with two hits and two runs.

Wells had been given only 12 runs in support in his previous six home starts. Six times this year he's left games with the lead only to see the bullpen lose those leads.

Mike Lincoln got his first save, stepping into the role that Mike Williams had before being traded to the Phillies today.

Matt Ford was the loser.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-07-20-03 1648EDT