Red Sox-Phillies Pitching Matchups: Buchholz, Hamels Battle On Opening Day
BOSTON (CBS) -- The 2015 baseball season has arrived, with the Red Sox getting things starting with a three-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Here is a look at the pitching matchups for Boston's season-opening series:
Monday, April 6 -- 3:05pm
Clay Buchholz (8-11, 5.34 ERA in 2014) vs. Cole Hamels (9-9, 2.46 ERA in 2014)
Buchholz gets his first career Opening Day start, as he looks to hush his doubters and prove that he can be the ace of the rotation this season. As always, health will be the key with Buchholz, who sounds confident in both his health and ability heading into the new season. He made five starts this spring, going 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA (six earned runs in 19 innings) and 22 strikeouts.
Hamels is perfect in his career against the Red Sox going 4-0 with a 1.97 ERA in five starts, striking out 32 over 32 innings of work.
Key Matchup: Hanley Ramirez vs. Hamels
Ramirez is 18-for-66 (.273) with 11 doubles, two homers and six RBI in his career against Hamels.
Wednesday, April 8 -- 7:05pm
Rick Porcello (15-13, 3.43 ERA for Detroit in 2014) vs. Aaron Harang (12-12, 3.57 ERA for Atlanta in 2014)
Porcello makes his Boston debut after posting a career-low 3.43 ERA for the Tigers last season. He has just one career start against the Phillies, allowing three runs off seven hits over seven innings while striking out three to earn the win.
Harang also debuts with his new team on Wednesday, following a successful 2014 campaign in Atlanta. Harang is 2-2 with a 5.08 ERA in five career starts against Boston.
Key Matchup: David Ortiz vs. Harang
The Boston slugger is 5-for-11 with three doubles, a homer and six RBI against Harang.
Thursday, April 9 -- 7:05pm
Justin Masterson (7-9, 5.88 ERA for Cleveland/St. Louis in 2014) vs. David Buchanan (6-8, 3.75 ERA in 2014)
Masterson is back in Boston, looking to put a rough 2014 behind him. He is 1-1 in his career against the Phillies, allowing seven earned runs over 11.1 innings pitched.
Key Matchup: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley vs. Masterson
Philadelphia's two sluggers are a combined 2-for-11 against Masterson with two RBI and three strikeouts.
Tune in to The Baseball Reporters with Tony Massarotti, which returns to 98.5 The Sports Hub every weeknight from 6-7pm on Monday, April 6!