Buchanan continues to shine, wins IronPigs opener

David Buchanan with Reading in 2013, Image- Jay Floyd

Righty pitcher David Buchanan, building on his excellent spring season with the Phillies, put forth a great effort to open the Triple-A schedule with Lehigh Valley on Thursday night, leading his team to victory.

Taking the mound as the IronPigs' opening day starter against Boston affiliate Pawtucket, the 24-year-old tossed six scoreless innings while allowing two hits, two walks and notching five strike outs.

Buchanan has displayed considerable improvement over the past year and received positive feedback from the likes of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, A.J. Burnett and Kyle Kendrick while pitching with the big league team in spring training.

Coaches and veterans alike were pleased with his pace, the way he attacks the strike zone and his manner of challenging opposing batters. The uplifting words had a lasting impact on the Georgia native and he's experienced a boost in confidence because of it.

"It's something to build off of," Buchanan said earlier this week. "You know, when you hear that from older guys, especially from guys at the top level, that's something that you really take to heart. So, I'm going to continue to thrive off of the confidence that they gave me and the advice and incorporate it all and, hopefully, it comes out to success."

The six-foot-three 200-pounder, who went 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA in six starts for the IronPigs last year to wrap up his season, says adjustments to the grips on his cutter and curve ball have refined his arsenal and resulted in improved output on the mound.

In Grapefruit League competition, the Phils' 7th round pick from 2010 posted a 1-1 record with a 2.25 ERA and a .146 batting average against while striking out 11 and walking two in 12 innings pitched. His consistent efforts through five appearances (four starts) had his name in the mix to be included in the Phillies' rotation this season.

"Just knowing that I was that close and being the last guy invited and being that close to making the team out of camp, that really lifted my spirits and it was a pleasure to be down there for that long. I have no regrets," Buchanan stated.

Right-handers Mike Nesseth and Luis Garcia as well as left-hander Jeremy Horst each added a scoreless/hitless frame for the 'Pigs to lock down Buchanan's first win of the season, a 4-0 victory over the PawSox in Rhode Island.

First baseman Jim Murphy led the Lehigh Valley offense with three hits including a double and a triple while driving in a run. Additionally, Buchanan's battery mate Cameron Rupp launched a solo homer for the IronPigs.

More Phils minors opening day notes...

The Double-A Reading Fightins were no-hit in a rain shortened affair at home against the Boston affiliate Portland Sea Dogs. Lefty Henry Owens notched nine strike outs and walked two through six innings. Figthins left-hander Jesse Biddle took the loss, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while walking two and striking out five in 3 1/3 innings.

The Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers were shutout, dropping their opener 7-0 to the Dunedin Blue Jays. In a rehab outing, Phils reliever Mike Adams tossed a scoreless frame, allowing a hit while striking out two. Adams is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

The Class A Lakewood BlueClaws won their opener in Savannah against the Mets affiliate Sand Gnats. Larry Greene Jr. carried the offense, lacing three hits, including a triple, and driving in four runs. New Jersey native Mark Leiter Jr. earned the win, tossing five shutout inning.

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

Danny Ozark was the Phillies' manager from 1973-1979. During his tenure as the team's general, Ozark led Philadelphia to three straight division titles. In his playing days, Ozark was a first baseman, who was a career minor leaguer in the Dodgers system. When Ozark took over the team in 1973, the Phillies were fresh off 5 consecutive losing seasons and 3 straight last place finishes. During his first season in charge, the Phillies would again finish in last place, 20 games under .500, but as his core of young talent, like Mike Schmidt and Larry Bowa, developed, the Phillies' win totals rose. Within 2 years, the Phillies were above .500 and in the playoff hunt until late in the season and the most successful era of Phillies history was about to begin. By 1976, the Phillies were headed to the post-season for the first time since 1950. The Phils would enjoy a 10-game lead over their nearest division rival at the midway point of the season. Despite a lul, which saw their lead d...

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

Eflin with Reading in 2015, image- Jay Floyd Following Vincent Velasquez leaving his start after just two pitches for the Phillies on Wednesday, righty prospect Zach Eflin was pulled from his start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Gwinnett. The 22-year-old sports a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA and a .210 batting average against in 10 starts for the IronPigs this season. He could take the place of Velasquez if he is required to miss any additional time. Initial word on Velasquez after he threw two fastballs that clocked in the 86-87 MPH range (considerably slower than the 94 MPH he averages) and was swiftly pulled from his outing, is that he has a biceps strain. He'll be further evaluated in the coming days. Prior to the regular season, Eflin got a taste of competing against big leaguers when he was charged with 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits while striking out two and walking one with a wild pitch in three innings of work in an intrasquad exhibition that pitted the Phils...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog