Andrew McCutchen had a two-run homer and Gregory Polanco drove in two runs for the Pirates, who have won four straight games and improved to 8-1 in their last nine games at Citizens Bank Park.
Burnett (2-1) allowed just two runs -- one earned -- on six hits with five strikeouts to earn the win.
Ben Revere and Chase Utley each brought in a run during the sixth inning for the Phillies, who are 12 games under .500 (11-23) this early in a season for the first time since May 15, 1971 when they were 9-22.
With one more loss tomorrow, the Phils would match the start of the infamous 1961 club, which was the last to lose more than 100 games in the first full season under Gene Mauch.
Sean O'Sullivan (0-2), who was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to the game, was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs on five hits in five innings of work.
"I feel good," said O'Sullivan. "I think it will be much better next go around and there won't be that bit of anxiousness returning back to the mound after a few weeks."
O'Sullivan is now 0-9 in his last 18 games (13 starts), last winning on May 12, 2011 as a member of the Kansas City Royals against the New York Yankees.
The Phillies starter closed out the second in spectacular fashion as he made a nonchalant barehanded catch on Burnett's comebacker to the mound, but his outing went downhill in the fourth.
Starling Marte was hit by a pitch to start the frame and moved to third on Pedro Alvarez's single. After Jung Ho Kang struck out, Harrison crushed a first-pitch fastball into the seats in left for a three-run blast.
The Phillies got on the board in the sixth. Pinch-hitter Andres Blanco and Revere each doubled to usher in a run. Revere advanced to third on Polanco's throwing error in right field and came home two batters later on Utley's groundout for a 3-2 game.
Pittsburgh distanced itself with four runs in the seventh. Harrison and Francisco Cervelli each worked walks off Luis Garcia to start the inning, moved up a base on Burnett's sacrifice bunt and came home on Polanco's single to center. Two batters later, McCutchen stroked a two-run shot to center.
Notes: Burnett, who went 8-18 last season as the No. 3 starter for the Phillies, surpassed Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley for sole possession of 40th place on the all-time strikeout list with 2,406 ... Neil Walker extended his hitting streak to seven games.
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