Cristopher Sanchez has emerged as a model of consistency for the Philadelphia Phillies.
After a sizzling finish to the first half of the season, Sanchez takes the mound Tuesday when the Phillies host the Boston Red Sox.
Sanchez was not chosen for the National League All-Star team despite allowing two runs or fewer in each of his past nine starts. His steadiness in July has been particularly notable, as he has allowed three runs in 21 1/3 innings this month, good for a 1.27 ERA.
“I’m just so proud of (Sanchez) from where he started and where he’s at right now,” manager Rob Thomson said after the lefty gave up one run in 7 1/3 innings in a 2-1 win over the San Diego Padres in his most recent start on July 13. “Not just stuff, but command, poise and composure.”
The Phillies showed plenty of poise in the 10th inning on Monday, as they plated the winning run without putting a ball in play. Two walks, a wild pitch and a catcher’s-interference call proved to be the decisive formula for Philadelphia against erratic Red Sox reliever Jordan Hicks.
Phillies reliever Max Lazar kept his composure in the top of the 10th inning, striking out a pair of Boston hitters (and getting the other to ground out) to keep the game tied, setting up the winning rally.
“He’s been great. I trust him,” Thomson said of Lazar, who emerged with his first major league win. “He’s been really good. And he’s got ice in his veins, too. He’s really cool out there.”
Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler allowed two runs and struck out 10 over six innings. Bryce Harper doubled twice and scored a run for the Phillies, who had lost six of their previous nine games.
“You’ve got to win that game. You’ve got to win the series,” Wheeler said. “And hopefully Sanchy can get us that win (Tuesday) to win the series.”
Jarren Duran homered for the Red Sox to open the game against Wheeler, but the visitors managed only one run the rest of the way. The team left eight runners on base and went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
Roman Anthony struck out four times in five at-bats, while Duran, Marcelo Mayer, Carlos Narvaez and Wilyer Abreu all struck out twice.
“We had our chances, we didn’t cash in,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “But shoot, that guy (Wheeler), he’s one of the best — if not the best — in the big leagues.”
On Tuesday, the Red Sox will give the ball to Richard Fitts (1-3, 4.28), who will be making his ninth start of the season. He pitched well in his last appearance, a 9-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on July 7, when he gave up three runs (two earned) in 5 2/3 innings.
It was the first major league win for Fitts, who said that he planned to frame the lineup card.
“Good velocity, mixing up the off-speed pitches,” said Cora, adding that Fitts has “been good for us — really good. He gives us a chance to win almost every time.”
Fitts will be opposing the Phillies for the first time. Sanchez is 1-0 with a 6.43 ERA in two career starts appearances (one start) vs. Boston.
–Field Level Media
