Buchanan Earns Win in MLB Debut

Photo: Joe Wombough

When the Phillies announced on Tuesday that Cliff Lee would be out due to a strained left elbow, David Buchanan was the natural choice for a callup from Lehigh Valley.  Now 25, the RHP performed well for the Phillies during 2014 Spring Training in Clearwater.  Buchanan got the nod to start today's game in Philadelphia, and he showed his readiness for the bigs.  

The Game: Buchanan pitched a solid 5 innings, striking out two and allowing two runs. He threw 66 pitches (44 for strikes), without showing signs of fatigue, but Sandberg allowed the bullpen to handle innings six through nine.  Thankfully, Philadelphia's lineup provided run support, and it did so early.  Ben Revere was back in the leadoff spot today, after a break thanks to a pitifully low OBP, and his double in the bottom of the first inning was the first of seven hits for the Phils.  Revere's batting (4-4 and three runs scored) was undoubtedly the highlight of Philadelphia's offense this afternooon.  

Buchanan allowedt just two runs when Carl Crawford grounded out in the 4th and Dee Gordon singled in the 5th.  The Dodgers' third run was scored during the top of the 6th inning, when a passed ball by Carlos Ruiz allowed Yasiel Puig the opportunity to score.  It's definitely worth noting, though, that Los Angeles went 2-9 today with runners in scoring position.  

Jake Diekman pitched the sixth and seventh innings; Mike Adams came in for the eigth inning to set up Jonathan Papelbon's save in the ninth.

Notable Offensive Statistics: 

Ben Revere: 4-for-4, three runs scored

Chase Utley: fourth homerun for the season, two RBIs

Jimmy Rollins: two RBIs

Impact: Philadelphia is currently tied with the New York Mets for last place in the NL East with a 21-25 record, but today's win tied the series with Los Angeles. A win in tomorrow afternoon's rubber match would send the Phillies into their three-game series with Colorado (27-22) with some momentum.  If Ben Revere can continue the solid effort he put into today's offensive performance, the Phils' lineup could actually have a dependable leadoff hitter.

Up Next: Tomorrow's 1;35 start at CBP will showcase two RHPs: A.J. Burnett (3-3, 3.32 ERA) and Josh Beckett (2-1, 2.89 ERA).