Finding traction against Cristopher Sánchez proved challenging for the Miami Marlins on Thursday night at loanDepot park. The left-handed pitcher delivered an impressive performance in his 15th start of the season, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over Miami. Sánchez pitched eight innings, allowing five hits and striking out four batters. He faced the minimum nine batters through the first three innings and retired nine consecutive batters from innings six to eight. His pitch count of 91 and his eight innings were both season highs.
With this win and the New York Mets’ loss to the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia has tied with New York at the top of the National League East standings.
Kyle Schwarber made a notable contribution to the series after a quiet start. Entering Thursday’s game, he had managed only one hit in 12 at-bats and struck out three times. However, Schwarber emerged as Philadelphia’s offensive hero by hitting a Statcast-projected 428-foot home run in the eighth inning, giving Philly a decisive 2-1 lead. The home run was hit at a speed of 114.8 mph.
Manager Rob Thomson allowed Sánchez to complete the eighth inning before bringing in Orion Kerkering to close out the game.
“Just attacking the zone early in the count,” Sánchez said via translator about his approach going into the start. “And just [following] the pregame plan they gave me.”
“He was just phenomenal tonight, he really was,” Thomson remarked.
“[The] strike percentage was over 70 percent. First pitch-strikes [were] unbelievable. Changeup was really good. He only threw a handful of sliders because he didn’t really have to. His changeup was so good [with] so many right-handed hitters in the lineup. I thought he was dominant. I really did.”
Sánchez expressed satisfaction with his changeup pitch, which contributed significantly to his success.
The changeup has been effective across Major League Baseball this year, with Sánchez achieving a Stuff+ rating of 116 on it according to FanGraphs, ranking fifth among pitchers entering this game. His 51 strikeouts using this pitch tied him with Tarik Skubal for most in MLB entering Thursday’s game, while its whiff rate ranked third.
“It feels incredible, [it’s] an incredible feeling,” Sánchez said about his success with this pitch.
As a first-time All-Star in 2024, Sánchez appears to be having an even better season than last year.
In comparison to last year’s stats through 15 starts—where he had a record of 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA and 69 strikeouts—this year he’s recorded a 6-2 record with a 2.87 ERA and 92 strikeouts thus far.
“I really don’t know [if I’m having a better season than I did last year],” he commented. “I’ll have to … check the numbers but I’m doing well and feeling well too.”
The Phillies are performing well overall thanks not only due to Sánchez but also because other starting pitchers like Ranger Suárez and Mick Abel have contributed strong performances recently during their series against Miami Marlins; each delivering one-run performances during these games ahead of their upcoming series against division rivals—the Mets—which begins Friday evening back home again for them soon enough!
“We feel like when [starting pitchers] keep us competitive within games by going deep into them,” Schwarber stated.” “[Sánchez] lets defense do its job behind him making plays possible whilst attacking opponents instead forcing them beat themselves.”
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“It’s huge,” Schwarber added regarding upcoming match-up versus Mets.” We’re excited return home weekend…it’ll definitely prove enjoyable being back again!”
Thomson expressed satisfaction over winning current series noting importance next one ahead: “Every series big deal,” said.” Good another victory secured especially given difficulties past years winning down here often enough…feeling positive moving forward facing strong opposition soon enough supported loyal fanbase ready cheer us onward exciting journey continues.”
