Buchanan, James Provide Fireworks in 7-2 Win

(Reading, Pa.)-David Buchanan continued his string of effective pitching performances and knocked in his first professional hit, and the Reading Phillies (32-26) held down the Harrisburg Senators (33-28), 5-2, Saturday night in the second game of a three-game series at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Coming off a finger injury that held Buchanan out from his last scheduled start, the right-handed pitcher allowed two runs in the first inning after Manny Mayorson and Tim Pahuta scored on back-to-back singles Jimmy Van Ostrand and Jose Lozada. Over the first inning, Buchanan yielded two singles, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch before settling down over innings two through five.

In the latter four innings he pitched, Buchanan looked more like the pitcher who tossed a shutout against the Senators at Metro Bank Park on May 28. Buchanan faced the minimum amount of batters in the second and third inning. Then, in the fourth, Buchanan sat down three hitters via strikeout before leaving the game after the fifth inning.

But it was outfielder Jiwan James who provided the fireworks, as the Florida native smacked a ball high on the centerfield wall in the eighth inning. With one out, James was given the green flag by third base coach and manager Dusty Wathan. James narrowly beat out the throw and scored the run that would be the final run in Saturday's victory. He finished the game by going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.

Utility man Tim Kennelly hit in the leadoff spot for the first time this season and went 3-for-4 with two runs. It was the first time he had a multi-hit game with the R-Phils since May 1 when he went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.

Lisalberto Bonilla hurled three innings of scoreless relief in his longest appearance of the season. He struck out three batters as well.

Following Saturday night's contest, Reading starting pitcher Trevor May performed a set as his DJ alter-ego DJ Hey Beef where he spun dance and electronic music songs for fans in attendance,

Reading continues looks to win its rubber match against the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. when RHP Julio Rodriguez (3-1/2.67 ERA) faces off against Harrisburg RHP Paul Demny (4-3/4.98 ERA). Tune into 1340 WRAW-AM on the radio dial or online at 1340WRAW.com starting at 1:05 p.m. for the pre-game show and game broadcast with the voice of the Reading Phillies, Brian Seltzer.

The first 2,000 kids 14 and under will receive a Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Fleece Blanket thanks to Betty's Salads on Sunday. It's also a Redner's Kids Club FREE Ticket Game where all members are welcome to attend a superhero and Crazy Hot Dog Vendor meet and greet in VIST Financial Plaza starting at 11:30 a.m.

There's only 32 days remaining until the Baseballtown All-Star Classic and tickets for that and all regular season home games can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2012 season featuring the Baseballtown All-Star Classic at America's Classic Ballpark is presented by Pepsi.