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 Reading Fightin Phils

Buchanan Sharp, But New Hampshire Pulls out Win

April 27, 2013 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


READING, Pa.---Starting pitcher David Buchanan allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings in an effective outing, but the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (11-12) outlasted the Reading Fightin Phils (11-10), 7-3, Saturday night in front of 8,894 fans at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Backed up by Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz during six innings of his start, Buchanan gave up two earned runs in the top of the first after a run-scoring triple from Ryan Schimpf and an RBI single from Clint Robinson. After giving up the two earned runs, his only runs of the game, Buchanan settled in and struck out three batters while walking none through his outing. The Atlanta native threw 95 pitches, 59 of which were strikes.

The Fightins rallied to even the game in the second inning when second baseman Troy Hanzawa hit a home run to left field for his first Double-A home run. His last home run came on July 26, 2011 when he played with the Clearwater Threshers (A+). Hanzawa's home run also drove in Cameron Rupp, who singled in the previous at-bat.

Reading tacked on another run in the fourth inning after Tyler Henson singled and was driven in by Rupp on a double. Henson currently ranks second in the Eastern League among batting average leaders with his .364 mark. Playing designated hitter tonight while Ruiz caught, Rupp had a breakout game by going 3-for-4 with two doubles. Prior to tonight, Rupp was 1-for-26 in his previous eight games.

Ruiz appeared in his second and final game with the Fightins as part of his major league rehab assignment. The 2003-04 alumni fared better than his first night with team as he went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk. His defense showed no worrisome signs after left fielder Derrick Mitchell made a spectacular throw to gun down Nanita at home on a throw to Ruiz. While blocking the plate, Ruiz was able to tag out Nanita to end the top of the third inning.

In the eighth inning, Reading saw its lead disappear when lefty reliever Jay Johnson began the inning by walking and hitting a batter. He was pulled from the game for right-handed reliever Kyle Simon. Simon, who had a 3.48 ERA heading into the game, gave up a two-run single to Kevin Nolan. While the two runs were attributed to Johnson, Simon threw a wild pitch later in the inning that saw Nolan score.

The bullpen woes continued for Reading in the ninth when Mario Hollands gave up a two-run double to Brad Glenn that gave New Hampshire a four-run lead and the series win.

The Fightins looks to avoid the sweep on Sunday when they send top prospect Jesse Biddle (2-1, 2.16 ERA) to the mound against former Phillies farmhand Tyson Brummett(0-2, 7.50 ERA) Tune into Oldies 1340 WRAW-AM, TV 2Sports or MiLB.TV for the game broadcast with Fightins play-by-play announcer Anthony Oppermann starting at 1:05 p.m.

The Fightin Phils continue their 47th season affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, April 28 when the team takes on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 1:35 p.m. Tickets for the 2013 season can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or in-person by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.


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