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Jimmy Rollins Looks to Break Record as Buchanan Gets the Nod

Jesse Barnhart Sports Editor

Published14 Jun 2014

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Jimmy Rollins needs just one hit to break Hall-of-Famer Mike Schmidt's 2,234 franchise hit-record in today's game. Yesterday, one of the few bright notes was Jimmy Rollins tied the record with a double in the ninth, which also continued his eight game hitting streak. Hernandez received the loss as the Phils offense failed to rally in the ninth against the Cubs. Looking to rebound, the Phillies (28-37) send David Buchanan to the mound in game two against the Cubs(27-38).

David Buchanan (1-3, 6.08) looks to end his three game skid as he goes against the Cubs right-hander, Edwin Jackson (4-6,4.07). Buchanan was called up in mid-may when Cliff Lee was sent to the DL. He won his debut but has been struggling since. In his last three games, he's been hit hard, allowing 23 hits in 18 2/3 innings while allowing 14 earned runs. Hopefully, Buchanan does better this afternoon at home where he sports a 3.86 ERA compared to his 8.25 ERA on the road. Despite how well Buchanan pitches at home, this game will rely on the Phillies' bats, who have only been hitting a lowly .234 average in the month of June.

If the Phils want a semblance of a chance to rebound and eventually salvage the season, their bats will have to come alive. Luckily, Edwin Jackson may just be the pitcher they need. Jackson has been hit hard by the Phils in the past with a 1-5 record and a 5.60 ERA career record against them. Chase Utley is 7-for-14 lifetime against Jackson while Ruiz and Rollins have a .500 lifetime batting average against him. In Jackson's last appearance on the mound, he lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing two home runs to Andrew Mccutchen—both pitches were four-seam fastballs. This seems to be all good signs for Jimmy Rollins, as he has already taken Edwin Jackson deep twice. Perhaps if the record breaker comes today, it could be in the form of a long ball—we can only hope.

Game Notes:

All of the Phillies who have faced Jackson have hit fairly well except Ryan Howard who has only a .143 average in seven at-bats.
Although the Cubs have a horrible away record of 12-24, the Phillies home record of 15-20 isn't much better.
If the Phillies manage to lose this game against the Cubs, both teams will have the same record of 28-38

Phillies Lineup