Cristopher Sánchez gives up three runs to Braves

Sánchez will attempt to keep Philadelphia’s postseason hopes alive after Atlanta rallied for a comeback win during the late stages of Tuesday’s series opener at Truist Park. The odds are stacked against the Phillies since teams that win the opening contest in the best-of-three Wild Card Series era have gone on to win 21 of 24 times. The 29-year-old lefty rapped up another phenomenal regular season with a 2.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 231/45 K/BB ratio across 207 innings of work. This will be one of the biggest spots of his career.

Sánchez did his part as the Phillies continued to watch their Wild Card spot potentially slip away from them with seven innings of two-run ball. He got off to a bit of a rocky start though as the Rays put up a run in each of the first two innings and smacked six hard-hit balls along the way. Yet, Sánchez did what aces do and tightened up from that point forward. His season ended with a 2.91 ERA, 231 strikeouts, and 45 walks over 207 innings pitched.. He’s certain to get Cy Young votes after another phenomenal year and Phillies fans are hoping they’ll get to see him on the mound again next week.

Sánchez threw 72 percent of his pitches for strikes, registering a 10 percent swinging strike rate and 32 percent CSW while striking out six and walking nobody. It was a textbook day for the left-hander, who pounded the zone with his sinker and slider and missed plenty of bats with his changeup. He’ll take a 2.93 ERA into a start with the Rays next week as he tries to cap off another great season.

Even with two pickoffs of baserunners and no James Wood or CJ Abrams in the lineup Sánchez stumbled some against the Nationals, losing for the second time in three outings this month. The last two runs came after he departed in the seventh, as Jonathan Bowlan immediately gave up a three-run homer after taking over. This leaves Sánchez 17-6 with a 2.93 ERA on the season. He’ll try bounce back Sunday against the Mets. Last time he faced them, it turned into a 15-1 win for the Phillies.

The Astros really got around on Sánchez here. In total, he allowed nine hard-hit balls, three doubles, and two home runs – both of which traveled at least 400 feet. Most of that damage came against his sinker which he left over the middle of the plate far more often than usual and he paid for those mistakes. It was the fifth time this year Sánchez has given up at least 10 hits in a single outing and his six earned runs are the most he’s allowed at home in two years. He’s lined up for a two-start week coming up against the Nationals and Mets with both starts coming on the road.

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.

Sánchez gave up two hits, walked one and struck out eight. He was lights out against the Angels, but left with a 1-0 lead that the Phillies bullpen blew in the eighth inning, costing him a win. Sánchez lowered his ERA to 2.52. He’s lined up to face the Braves at home next weekend.

Sánchez struck out seven and didn’t walk anyone. He was in line for the loss before the Phillies scored six runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to walk it off. It was a letdown performance by his standards, but he’s had a phenomenal season with a 2.62 ERA. The broadcast noted he has over 100 strikeouts with his changeup, and no other pitcher has more than 55. He’ll look to rebound in a favorable matchup against the Angels next time out.

Sánchez gave up eight hits, walked three and struck out six. He improved to 16-4 with the win. Sánchez leads all of baseball in wins and his 16 wins are a career-high. He has a 2.51 ERA. Sánchez is lined up to face the Cardinals at home on Sunday.

Sánchez was outstanding. His offense was anything but, so it’s as hard-luck of a no-decision as you can have. The southpaw struck out seven and scattered four hits without issuing a walk, and his ERA on the season is now a healthy 2.54. Sánchez has allowed just two runs in three starts in the month of August, and he’ll try and keep it that way against the Marlins come Monday.