September 4, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Phillies have won five straight games with Cristopher Sanchez as the starter and hope to continue that streak on Wednesday when they conclude their three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs.
The first two games of the series were a rollercoaster ride for the Phillies. On Monday, they beat the Cubs 6-2 to secure the National League East title for the first time in 13 years. Tuesday’s game, however, was a disappointment for the hosts, as Philadelphia was crushed 10-4 by Chicago despite home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
“Of course you want to go out there and keep winning,” Schwarber said, adding: “We have to put this behind us and focus on the next four games.”
Philadelphia (93-65) is half a game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (93-64) in the race for first place in the National League playoffs. The Phillies have four games left – one less than the Dodgers – and have the tiebreaker against Los Angeles.
Sanchez (11-9, 3.25 ERA) is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four starts this month. He allowed two runs in five innings against the New York Mets on Friday, though the All-Star left-hander also allowed a career-high five walks.
This season, Sanchez has a 2.05 ERA at home and a 5.02 ERA on the road. One of his worst starts of the season came on July 4 at Wrigley Field, when he allowed seven runs in four innings in a 10-2 loss. That was his only career start against Chicago.
The Cubs will turn the ball over to Javier Assad (7-5, 3.34 ERA), who allowed three runs in five innings against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Assad has similar home-road splits to Sanchez, with a 2.47 ERA at home and a 4.17 ERA away from Wrigley Field. He is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against the Phillies.
“Javy had a really good season,” manager Craig Counsell said after the right-hander’s latest start. “He’s embraced (the increased responsibility) and earned it and earned it all season long. I’m proud of him – and he should be proud.”
Chicago (81-77) has some momentum after beating Philadelphia 15-7 on Tuesday. Cody Bellinger hit 3 for 5 with four RBIs, while Seiya Suzuki scored two runs and Nico Hoerner added three hits.
“We had runners on base all night,” Counsell said after his team’s fourth win in six games.
For Philadelphia, Harper hit his 30th home run as part of his second consecutive two-hit performance.
“It was nice to see how well Harper swung the bat,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.
After missing more than three weeks with a kidney infection, Phillies left fielder Austin Hays returned to the lineup on Tuesday and went 1 for 4.
“I’m convinced that this guy will play a big role in our work down the stretch,” Schwarber said.
Meanwhile, the Cubs may be without two key players on Wednesday. Michael Busch was hit in the right arm by a pitch on Tuesday and left the field in the second inning, while Suzuki sprained his right ankle while running around the bases in the sixth inning and left the field two innings later.
–Field level media
