Phillies Open Series In St. Louis Behind Buchanan

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --The Phillies will look to win a season-best fourth straight game tonight as they open a four-game series in St. Louis against the Cardinals.

The Phillies are coming off a three-game sweep of the Braves down in Atlanta. They wrapped up the set with a 10-5 win yesterday afternoon.

This recent success has pulled the Phillies to within five games of first in National League East, despite the fact they are still six game under .500 at 32-38.

St. Louis is 39-33, they come into tonight's game in second place in National League Central, 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Brewers.

David Buchanan will make the start for the Phillies tonight. He is 2-3 in 5 starts since being called up from AAA Lehigh Valley. His ERA is 5.97. This will be his first appearance against the Cardinals.

St. Louis will counter on the hill with right-hander Shelby Miller. He is 7-5 this season with a 3.42 ERA. He beat the Phillies in his only career appearance against them last year, pitching six shutout innings in a 4-1 win on July 23rd.

Phillies line-up for this series opener:

1. Jimmy Rollins                   SS

2. Carlos Ruiz                       C

3. Chase Utley                     2B

4. Ryan Howard                   1B

5. Marlon Byrd                     RF

6. Domonic Brown                LF

7. John Mayberry                 CF

8. Reid Brignac                    3B

9. David Buchanan               P

KYW's Matt Leon got a scout on the Cardinals from Missourinet sports director Bill Pollock.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

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• St. Louis