Phillies star Cristopher Sanchez’s dominant shutout vs. Pirates has fans going wild

Remember when Cristopher Sanchez got rocked by the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field? Yeah, neither does he. The Philadelphia Phillies (23-23) have greatly awakened since Don Mattingly was named interim manager, and that is especially true for the left-handed starting pitcher. He threw a complete game shutout in Saturday’s 6-0 road win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing six hits and posting a whopping 13 strikeouts and no walks.

Incredibly, Sanchez has now logged 29 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. His fourth career complete game and second-ever CG shutout improves his 2026 ERA to a sterling 1.82. Following a runner-up finish in 2025, the 6-foot-6 Dominican southpaw is once again in firm contention for the National League Cy Young Award. There is plenty of time to monitor that fierce race, but fans are already flooding Sanchez with praise.

“Best Pitcher in Baseball,” @itsdannimal declared on X. “About time he gets the respect he deserves,” @EKlambara commented. “Will he be making the All-Star team this year?” @CBitados quipped, referencing Sanchez’s snub from the 2025 Midsummer Classic. “CY Young him right now,” @PhillyCentral2 remarked.

Sanchez has notched 30 strikeouts and just one walk in his last three starts (24 innings). He has been invincible in May and is doing everything possible to propel the Phillies forward. Thanks to the 2024 All-Star, the two-time reigning National League East champions are now back at .500 for the first time since April 13.

Although Paul Skenes and Shohei Ohtani will generate the most attention, Cristopher Sanchez is undeniably one of the top hurlers in the sport today. He also might be the most important player on this team.

Zack Wheeler missed the first month of the season while recovering from thoracic outlet decompression surgery, rookie Andrew Painter has a 6.21 ERA, Jesus Luzardo is struggling himself (5.07 ERA) and Ranger Suarez is now pitching for the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies’ starting rotation desperately needs Sanchez to match his form from last season. He is exceeding it so far.

The 29-year-old will rest up and do his best to put on another spectacular performance for the home crowd in Citizens Bank Park.

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