Jul 31, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) throws a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
During debates over whether Aaron Nola or Cristopher Sanchez should start NLDS game two for the Phillies, an unspoken assumption was that the Phils would win Zack Wheeler's game one start. The alternative was unfathomable at the time.
But here we are.
The Phillies are down 1-0 to the Mets in the NLDS heading into Sunday's game at Citizens Bank Park. If they lose game two at home behind Sanchez, they'll face the daunting task of winning two games in New York just to force a game five.
It's the definition of a non-elimination "must-win game." And it'll be Sanchez, not the postseason-tested Nola, taking the mound at 4:08 p.m.
Phillies Cristopher Sanchez starts game 2 not Aaron Nola because Rob Thomson likes how well Sanchez pitches at CBP vs road
"going into Citi Field, it's going to be a pretty hostile environment... thought it was really the smartest thing to do"https://t.co/KulOTYqVdN pic.twitter.com/F8Zwrb0Qvz
Sanchez pitched 2.1 innings in game four of the Phils' 2023 NLCS series against Arizona, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk. That's the full extent of his postseason experience. He had a fantastic 2024 regular season and was particularly good at home: a 2.21 ERA and 0.97 WHIP at Citizens Bank Park earned him Sunday's start.
The lefthander probably exceeded expectations more than anyone else on the Phillies roster. The thing about exceeding expectations, however, is that expectations change. Today, Sanchez moves from the periphery of the Phillies' championship hopes to the absolute center.
"It's really amazing the steps that he's taken," said Rob Thomson about Sanchez earlier this week. "The growth that he's had not only physically but mentally [and] emotionally.
"This guy started the year 92, 93 mph, really commanding the baseball. Now he's 95, 96, touching 97 and maintaining his command. The changeup is a plus-plus pitch. The slider, he's landing . . . [He's] going deep into games, holding his composure. [He's] had some innings where he could have fallen apart, which he's done in the past, and he just kept fighting through it, maintaining his composure and poise. He's just grown leaps and bounds."
Every word of Thomson's praise is true. Sanchez pitched like an ace as the Phillies' third starter this season. But can he shine in October, when the pressure is completely different? Where a single mistake could be remembered forever? And under the weight of new expectations?
By the end of Sunday, we'll know more about Cristopher Sanchez. And, for all intents and purposes, we'll know whether the Phillies' championship hopes are alive.
