Phillies starter David Buchanan gave up six hits, an earned run and two walks over 4 2/3 innings on Tuesday against the Mets. He struck out three but did not factor into the decision.
Although he was unable to make it out of the fifth inning, Buchanan kept the potent Mets offense at bay, with his one mistake resulting in a Lucas Duda fourth-inning solo shot. Despite the abbreviated outing, Buchanan has essentially made a 180-degree turnaround from a three-start stretch between late August and early September during which he did not resemble a major-league quality pitcher.
In his last three trips to the hill, Buchanan has posted 11 strikeouts and a 1.78 ERA over 15 2/3 innings. Buchanan figures to have one more opportunity to build in his recent momentum when he takes the mound against the Marlins on the final day of the 2015 campaign Sunday.