Saturday, July 5, 2014

Volquez v Buchanon, Lineup, Jordy, Russ, On Fire...

Edinson Volquez (6-6, 4.07) meets David Buchanan (4-4, 4.86) this afternoon.

Eddie's been sharp with one two-game rough patch lately, is coming off a shutout win and hasn't allowed a run in his last 13 IP. Volquez has gone 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA in his last eight starts. He hasn't met the Phils since 2012, but has had luck against them, going 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in four career starts.

The 25 year old Buchanan, who is Cliff Lee's replacement, has tossed 187 pitches in his last two starts, and just 99 (53%) were strikes, good for nine walks in 10 IP. (tho it may be a problem that comes and goes; he only walked six batters in his first six starts.) He's a fastball (91 MPH), cutter, change up guy who shows an occasional hook. So obviously a little patience and plate discipline is key against him.

The lineup: Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte LF, Cutch CF, Ike Davis 1B, Josh Harrison 2B, Pedro 3B, Jordy Mercer SS, Chris Stewart C and Volquez P. The Kid and Russ get a blow, with a day game tomorrow.

The game starts at 4:05 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.
  • Proof that regression works both ways: In 47 games since his average bottomed out at .161 on 5/7, Jordy Mercer is hitting .285 with six home runs and 22 RBI.
  • When you're hot: since May 2nd the Pirates, Athletics and Angels share the best record in the Major Leagues at 35-23 (.603). Pittsburgh has gone 16-8 in their last 24 games and 20-11 in their last 31.
  • Russ Martin has reached base safely in 44 of his 48 games this season and all 26 games played at PNC Park.

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