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David Buchanan Makes Season Debut As Phils Look for Series Win Against Masterson, Red Sox

Erik Seybold Sports Editor

Published09 Apr 2015

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The Phillies found a way to seal their first victory of the season last night behind a very strong performance on the mound from Aaron Harang (6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) and a three-run home from Jeff Francoeur. A pitcher's duel between Harang and Rick Porcello throughout most of the game, it all changed in the bottom half of the sixth when the Phils' offense awoke and they scored their first runs of the 2015 season. The Phillies would mount another insurance run in the 7th inning. Despite some shaky pitching from Ken Giles in the 8th, the Phillies were able to hang on to win the game behind a four-out save from Jonathan Papelbon.

Tonight the Phillies will go for the series win against the Red Sox in the finale of this three-game set.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Boston Red Sox (1-1)			Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
RHP	Justin Masterson	2014: (7-9, 5.88 ERA)	RHP	David Buchanan	2014: (6-8, 3.75 ERA)

David Buchanan will make his 2015 debut tonight as he takes on the Red Sox as he looks to make his first full season with the Phillies a good one. In 20 starts last season, Buchanan owned a 3.75 ERA and tallied six wins and eight losses in his rookie season. Initially slated as the Phils' no. 5 starter in spring training, Buchanan has been bumped up to no. 3 and is being called upon tonight in the finale in his first career start against Boston.

Justin Masterson is back with his former team for the first time since 2009 as well as looking to turn his woes around. After being traded from the Indians to the Cardinals last season, Masterson returned to the Red Sox on a one-year deal. In 25 starts last season between the two teams, Masterson owned a bloated 5.88 ERA on a 7-9 record. He is looking to turn it around against the Phillies and give his new team a 2-1 record as they approach their first weekend series of the year. In two career starts against Philadelphia, Masterson is 1-1.

Starting Lineups:

Boston Red Sox (1-1)			Philadelphia Phillies (1-1)
	Position/Bats	Player		Position/Bats	Player
1	8/R	Mookie Betts	1	8/L	Ben Revere
2	4/R	Dustin Pedroia	2	2/R	Carlos Ruiz
3	3/S	David Ortiz	3	4/L	Chase Utley
4	7/R	Hanley Ramirez	4	3/L	Ryan Howard
5	5/R	Pablo Sandoval	5	7/R	Darin Ruf
6	9/L	Shane Victorino	6	5/L	Cody Asche
7	2/R	Ryan Hanigan	7	9/R	Jeff Francoeur
8	6/R	Xander Bogaerts	8	6/S	Freddy Galvis
9	1/R	Justin Masterson	9	1/R	David Buchanan