Buchanan looks sharp in win as Phils down Tigers

On Thursday in Lakeland, the Phillies notched their fifth win on the preseason, led on the mound by righty hurler David Buchanan and on offense by infielder Andres Blanco.

Buchanan posted three scoreless frames to collect his first win of the Grapefruit League season.  In relief of starter Jerome Williams, the 25-year-old Buchanan allowed just one hit and struck out one batter while allowing no walks.

Williams, who is a lock for the Phils’ starting rotation along with Buchanan, allowed two earned runs on four hits, including a home run, in three innings of work.

Giving the Phillies a lead in the 5th, the veteran Blanco, who is batting .308 in seven spring contests, laced a triple that scored two in a six-run inning that gave the Phils all they needed to post the 6-5 victory.

Outfielder Jeff Francoeur and Rule 5 pick up Odubel Herrera each collected two safeties for the winning club.  Center fielder Ben Revere went 0-for-4 while slugger Ryan Howard was 0-for-3 on the day.

Luis Garcia earned the save with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of work to close it out.

The Phillies are now 5-4-1 in the preseason.  They’ll host the Rays in Clearwater on Friday.  Phillies.com’s Todd Zolecki reports

that second baseman Chase Utley could make his spring debut in that game, after missing time with a sprained ankle.

Also of note, as I reported on Twitter, Phillies 2012 top draft pick RHP Shane Watson is making progress with his throwing program following his second shoulder surgery in a year late last fall.  He’s throwing 100 reps at distances up to 120 feet on a pace of two days on, one day off, under the supervision of the organization’s coaches and training staff in Clearwater.  Free of any pain or setbacks, the 21-year-old should increase to 150 feet this week with time on the mound possibly around the corner.