Philly Leader

Cristopher Sánchez and Jordan Romano were instrumental in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Sánchez, in particular, demonstrated an effective strategy by inducing four ground-ball double plays, the most by a Phillies pitcher since 2020 when Zack Wheeler achieved the same feat. Romano added another in the eighth inning, marking the first time since June 2021 that the Phillies turned five double plays in a single game.

"It was the eighth time the Phillies have turned five ground-ball double plays in a game since at least 1940," the team reported. Sánchez credited shortstop Trea Turner and second baseman Bryson Stott for their efforts. "Of course I told them," he said. "They all did a great job today. I don’t focus a lot on the strikeouts. I’m just trying to go out and compete the best I can."

The game started slowly for Sánchez with a mild drop in velocity, though his speed returned by the second inning. "My body just felt a little off," he mentioned. Despite this, the Phillies gained an early 2-0 lead following Bryce Harper's single, Kyle Schwarber's walk, and Nick Castellanos' double. The score extended to 3-0 in the fifth when Stott hit a double that brought Brandon Marsh home.

Sánchez allowed his only run in the sixth inning and is now 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA. "He was really efficient, which was something we needed today, just to give our bullpen a rest,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson commented. Relief pitchers Orion Kerkering, Romano, and José Alvarado completed the game, with Alvarado securing his third save.

Bryson Stott voiced the team’s supportive attitude, emphasizing the pitchers' reliability. "You know what you’re getting from our pitchers," he said. However, he also highlighted the importance of run support. "We also have to make it easier on them and not rely on seven innings and no runs."

The Phillies now look ahead with an invigorated bullpen and an energized infield team looking to carry forward their success.