Seeking Fifth Straight Win, Buchanan Faces deGrom, Mets

After a 7-2 homestand that ended on a three-game sweep of the Nationals, the Phillies (61-72) hit the road tonight with the first stop in New York against the Mets (62-72). While the Phils are looking for their fifth straight win, the Mets are seeking to rebound after losing two out of three from both the Dodgers and Braves. Tonight's matchup at Citi Field features two rookie pitchers in David Buchanan and Jacob deGrom.

We have all come to know David Buchanan (6-7, 4.21) as a guy who will give the Phillies a good chance to win. Though the Phils have lost the last three starts in which Buchnan has started, the rookie right-hander has held his opponents to three runs or less in those starts. Actually, you have to go back to June 8th against the Reds to find the last time Buchanan gave up more than three in a start. He has gone six or more innings in five of his last six starts. Last time, he tossed just five innings and gave up two runs in the Phillies 6-5 loss to St. Louis in Philadelphia, the one game of the series they didn't win. Buchanan has posted a 3.75 ERA over his four starts this month

The Mets will send fellow rookie, Jacob deGrom (6-6, 3.13), to the hill to oppose Buchanan. DeGrom has made one start for New York since coming off of the disabled list, against the Giants. He cruised through the early parts of the game, but gave up a three-run homer to Adrian Gonzalez, which tainted his hopes at a solid outing. He gave up five runs total over six innings, but still struck out seven. deGrom has faced the Phillies once this year, back on May 31st. He took a no-decision after tossing 6.1 innings, giving up three runs in the Mets win. 

Game Notes:

• Ryan Howard provided the offensive spark against deGrom back in May for the Phillies with a three-run homer, accounting for all three runs that night.
• Meanwhile, David Buchanan has faced New York twice this season, losing both decisions, giving up six earned runs in 12.2 innings. Matt den Dekker, Juan Lagares and Daniel Murphy all go doubles off of Buchanan this year. No Met has taken him deep yet.
• According to Ryne Sandberg, John Mayberry will be activated on Monday. In seven games with the Ironpigs, he's hitting .192 (5-for-26) with a double, homer and four RBI's. He's been recovering from a wrist injury since July 21st.
• The Phillies lineup looks the same with the exception of Grady Sizemore, who starts in left field tonight.

Mets Lineup:

1. Juan Lagares CF
2. Curtis Granderson RF
3. David Wright 3B
4. Lucas Duda 1B
5. Travis d'Arnaud C
6. Matt den Dekker LF
7. Dilson Herrera 2B
8. Wilmer Flores SS
9. Jacob DeGrom P

Phillies Lineup

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Grady Sizemore LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Cody Asche 3B
9. David Buchanan P

First Pitch: 7:10 PM ET

Location: Citi Field, New York, NY

Weather: 72^o F Partly Cloudy, 0% PoP

TV: CSN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com