Philly Leader

Cristopher Sánchez showcased his impressive changeup during a Philadelphia Phillies game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The game ended with a 6-4 victory for the Phillies, with Sánchez leading the team to a series split. Over seven innings, Sánchez achieved a career-high of 12 strikeouts, marking the highest for a Phillies left-hander since Cole Hamels' no-hitter in July 2015.

Sánchez's performance featured 11 strikeouts using his changeup, a feat that has been matched only by Alex Cobb and Luis Castillo in the pitch-tracking era. He made a total of 22 whiffs on changeups, setting a new record for the most single-game whiffs on a changeup since 2008.

"That's my changeup," remarked Sánchez through an interpreter. "My changeup has always been good." His changeup was particularly effective during his bullpen session earlier in the week, which translated into success during the game.

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto noted the consistency of Sánchez's changeup. "It's always that good. It's just if he's locating it correctly," Realmuto said.

Sánchez has maintained a 2-0 record with a 2.96 ERA over four starts this season. Each start has followed a Phillies loss and resulted in a win. "That's something to be proud of," Sánchez said.

Despite allowing a run in the first inning, Sánchez's pitching, supported by the team's five runs in the bottom of the first, secured a vital lead. Alec Bohm contributed with a crucial triple, extended by an error from Giants center fielder Luis Matos.

"It was as good as you're going to get," stated Phillies manager Rob Thomson about Sánchez's pitching. Giants manager Bob Melvin added, "His changeup looks just like his sinker, so we struggled with that."

Sánchez aimed to improve his physical strength during Spring Training to maintain a high velocity throughout the season. His sinker showcased increased velocity, averaging 96.3 mph against the Giants, compared to 94.5 mph last season.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson recognized Sánchez's progression. "He's better because the velocity is up from last year," said Thomson. Sánchez taught himself how to throw his renowned changeup and has continued to refine it. "Just throwing it, creating a little bit," Sánchez explained.