Philadelphia Phillies Win Series Behind Maddux-Esque Start

The Philadelphia Phillies (73-50) secured the series victory over the Washington Nationals (55-69) on Saturday, as well as their fourth win in a row, by a score of 5-1.

Sanchez's Big Night

After struggling for the better part of a month, Cristopher Sanchez (9-8, 3.49 ERA) turned in one of the best starts of his young career.

With only two of his three pitches working, Sanchez threw his second complete game of the season, allowing only two hits, no walks, one run, and four strikeouts. The most amazing part? He did it on less than 100 pitches.

Sanchez racked up 14 groundouts, to only seven flyouts. It was very telling of what Sanchez is capable of when he is not trying to throw the perfect pitch or trying to overpower batters and is pitching to contact and trusting the defense behind him to back him up.

Notable Stats

• Phillies lead MLB this season in win at home with 43.
• Phillies lead MLB in complete games this season with five. There have been 25 complete games this season, after Sanchez's on Saturday.
• Sanchez is the first Phillies pitcher since Aaron Nola in 2022 to throw multiple complete games in one season.
• Alec Bohm extended his MLB-leading on-base streak to 34 games.

WPA Leader of the Game

Saturday's WPA leader of the game was Cristopher Sanchez. His line on the night ended with nine innings, two hits, no walks, four strikeouts, and one run allowed on 99 pitches.

Sanchez's WPA score ended at 27.2.

Next Up

Next up for the Phillies is a chance for the sweep on Sunday. The first pitch for Sunday's game is scheduled for 1:35 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MASN 2.

Phillies fans can listen to the game on 94 WIP or WTTM 1680.