Cristopher Sánchez allowed five hits and three runs with three walks and five strikeouts over six innings in a loss to the Braves on Friday.
In a huge battle with Chris Sale as the Phillies chase the Braves in the National League East, Sánchez had a solid outing besides for one bad inning. All three runs scored against him came in the second when he walked the lead-off batter and then let up three singles, with an error by Bryce Harper along the way to let some runners advance. Yet not especially sharp overall, it was his fourth time in his last eight starts where he’s walked at least three batters after only doing so three times across his first 21 starts. Still, great pitchers find a way when they’re not at their best and that’s exactly what Sánchez did in his one. He’s scheduled to face the Astros at home next time out.