Cristopher Sanchez Pitches a Gem, Strikes Out 12

Cristopher Sanchez had the best game of his career on Thursday night, posting 12 strikeouts. It was the most since Cole Hamel’s 13 K no-hitter in 2015 for a Philadelphia Phillies left-hander. The amazing effort helped the Phillies earn a 6-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park in Philly.

Sanchez’s Big Day On the Mound

Sanchez can credit his devastating changeup to his success against the Giants. 11 of his 12 strikeouts came on that pitch, producing 22 whiffs overall. He tied Alex Cobb in 2013 and Luis Castillo in 2019 for most strikeouts on changeups. The 22 swings and misses were the most by a changeup in a game by any pitcher.

He started off his night strong, striking out Luis Matos and Willy Adames on that brutal changeup, but allowed one run after a Heliot Ramos double, who scored on a Matt Chapman single. He minimized the damage with another changeup strikeout against Casey Schmitt.

The Phillies gave Sanchez all the run support he needed in the 1st with a 5-run outburst. Sanchez sat down two more on strikes, Tyler Fitzgerald and Christian Koss, in the second. A 1-2-3 third followed by striking out the side in the 4th and he was cruising. 

The only tough inning he had was in the top 6th. After a throwing error by Trea Turner allowed Ramos to reach base, Chapman blasted his third home run of the year into the left field seats, cutting the Phillies lead to 5-3. Sanchez didn’t let it phase him as he struck out Schmitt and Fitzgerald to tame the comeback. He polished off a quick 7th, and his career night ended there.

Phillies Are Staying Strong

Sanchez is now 2-0 with a splendid 2.96 ERA in his four starts this year. To top that, the Phillies have won every start he has pitched, which has also followed a loss the game before. They are currently sitting in second place in the National League East at 11-8, just one game behind the New York Mets. It’s supposed to be a tough division this year, but so far, there haven’t been too many obstacles.