Phillies Clinch Season Series Over Dodgers Behind Sanchez's Big Night

The Philadelphia Phillies (67-46) entered Tuesday night's game needing a win to force a rubber match on Wednesday and to clinch the season series over the Los Angeles Dodgers (66-48). With the offense showing up in a big way, and the pitching showing up, too, the Phillies took it to the Dodgers 6-2.

Sanchez's Big Night

After posting a 6.59 ERA across 27 1/3 innings in five July starts, Cristopher Sanchez (8-7, 3.27 ERA) was in need of a major bounce back in his first August start. Facing the Dodgers for the second time in less than a month, Sanchez was spectacular.

Sanchez limited the hard hits on Tuesday, holding the Dodgers batters to an average exit velocity of 81.8 MPH. He allowed only five hard-hit balls, despite his velocity being down across the board.

It was a huge step forward for Sanchez in Tuesday's start, and the Phillies are hopeful that he can build on that and have the success carry over into his next start.

Offensive Production

For what seems like the first time in a month, the offense and pitching showed up on the same night for the Phillies. Seven of the Phillies nine batters tallied base hits, with six of those seven tallying at least two.

The Phillies offense combined to hit .368 on the night with a .321 xBA. Seeing the team show up as a complete unit was a refreshing sight, and one that needs to be seen more often down the stretch.

WPA Leader of the Game

Tuesday night's WPA leader of the game is reliever Matt Strahm . Matt Strahm would enter the game with two runners on and none out in the seventh inning, in an attempt to keep the two runners from scoring and limit the damage done to Sanchez to just one run.

Strahm would work a 1-2-3 innings out of the pen, including getting the best of Ohtani for out three in yet another epic matchup between the two All-Stars.

Strahm's line for Tuesday's game reads one inning pitched with one strikeout. His WPA score ended at 18.1.

Next Up

Next up for the Phillies is the rubber match of this three-game mid-week set on Wednesday. The first pitch for Wednesday's game is scheduled for 10:10 PM EST.

The game will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network (out-of-market only) as well as NBC Sports Philadelphia and SportsNet LA.

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