Behind another great start by David Buchanan and a two-run home run from their starting third baseman, the Phillies shutout the Twins this afternoon, 3-0. The Phillies bullpen continued Buchanan's trend, holding Minnesota scoreless over the final four frames.
David Buchanan continued to impress, tossing five shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out three. In 16 innings, he's allowed just three runs. Today, he lowered his spring ERA to 1.69. It seems very likely at this point that Buchanan will start the season behind Cole Hamels in the rotation. Tyler Knigge, Justin De Fratus and Jake Diekman combined for three scoreless innings.
Offensively, the Phillies got their only runs courtesy of Cody Asche's two-run homer in the second inning. Freddy Galvis raised his spring average to .277 after going 2-for-3 at the plate today. Ben Revere, Odubel Herrera and Carlos Ruiz each got a hit during today's game. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley combined to go 0-for-4 with two walks and a strikeout.
The Phillies tacked on a third run in the eighth thanks to a passed ball by Twins catcher Dan Rohlfing that allowed Darin Ruf to score from third.
For the Twins, starter Mike Pelfrey went 4.2 innings, giving up two runs on seven hits. He also struck out two and walked two. Second baseman Doug Bernier went 2-for-3 at the plate.
Up Next: Phillies fans can get a first look at pitching prospect Severino Gonzalez on the big stage tomorrow afternoon when the team travels to Orlando for a matchup with the Braves. Atlanta will send Manny Banuelos to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05pm.
