PITTSBURGH — Ryan Vogelsong feared his career might be over when he took a fastball to the face from the Rockies’ Jordan Lyles on May 23 and sustained facial fractures that necessitated surgery and a three-night hospital stay.

However, the 39-year-old right-hander has looked sharp in his first two starts since coming off the disabled list. He took a tough-luck loss Wednesday night when the San Diego Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0.

Vogelsong (1-2) gave up two unearned runs and three hits in six innings while striking out five and walking one. He returned last Thursday and allowed one run in six innings against the Braves but did not factor in the decision in a game the Pirates lost.

“He pitched very well again and gave us a chance to win the game,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “He was very impressive.”

Prior to being injured, Vogelsong had a 3.74 ERA in 12 games, including two starts.

“If there’s a blessing in disguise of getting hit, it’s the fact that I got to deal with (Pirates pitching coach) Ray Searage every day for two months,” Vogelsong said. “I just got to start from ground zero when we were playing catch on the rehab process and just really starting over and trying to get rid of some of the bad habits that I had gotten into.”

Edwin Jackson pitched two-hit ball over seven innings for San Diego, and Travis Jankowski capped the scoring with a straight steal of home.

Jackson (3-2) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Jordy Mercer’s leadoff single. The 14-year veteran struck out seven and walked three while raising his career record against the Pirates to 10-3.

“The Pirates are a tough team to pitch against because they have guys who are threats all the way up and down the lineup,” Jackson said.

Since being called up July 17 from Triple-A El Paso, Jackson has recorded quality starts in four of five outings. The Miami Marlins released him June 2.

Jankowski’s steal came with two outs in the eighth. The rookie center fielder took off during catcher Eric Fryer’s return throw to pitcher Antonio Bastardo and scored standing up when Fryer could not handle Bastardo’s low throw to the plate.

It was the fourth time the Padres had a straight steal of home this season.