PHILADELPHIA – Rob Thomson announced on Friday afternoon that Cristopher Sanchez would take the mound in Game 2 of the National League Division Series.
Thomson showed faith in his left-hander, who had a career year in 2024. Sanchez earned his first career All-Star nod, was extended by the club, and even recently welcomed a new member of his family.
The choice to go with Cristopher is going to have to pay off for Rob Thomson. After the club’s loss to the Mets in Game 1 of the NLDS, Game 2 of the series has become must win. The pressure will be there for Sanchez but it will be his time to shine.
Experience matters in Major League Baseball. Experience especially matters during the playoffs. In 2023, Cristopher Sanchez had a chance to dip his toe in the waters of post-season baseball. I had a chance to ask him about that start on Saturday morning, before Game 1 of the NLDS.
Q: “Hey Cristopher, you had a chance to pitch in the playoffs last year against Arizona. What did you learn from that experience and how can you draw from it as you make your start?“
A: “As you mentioned the experience of pitching in the post-season last year, I can’t compare that to this year. I think that what we’ve been doing the whole year has helped me be in a better position to be here in the post-season and I’m more mature and I have more experience. I think that what we have been doing with all the work, it helps my confidence and gives me the strength…. to be the best version of myself for the team and the fans as well.“
Quite frankly, it was not an answer that I was expecting to hear. I anticipated Sanchez to talk about how he could build off that performance and bring that experience to Game 2. His answer however reflects his maturity, because he knows that he has grown since that moment. Cristopher took what he learned in 2023 and brought it with him to Spring Training. He never slowed down, and he consistently built upon his previous starts.
As mentioned, it wasn’t a normal week for Sanchez.
He and his wife welcomed baby Cristopher to their family on Monday. Between the excitement of parenthood and the pressures of a post-season game on Sunday, it could have been a lot for the Sanchez family. Regardless, Cris feels as though he is ready.
In this presser on Saturday, he was asked about the home and road splits he has pitched to in 2024. While that was a major topic of conversation, you can see why the numbers may have resulted in this manner. When asked, Sanchez spoke about how comfortable he feels pitching at Citizens Bank Park.
“I don’t know it’s not something that I can explain. I just feel really comfortable here and the fans give me that ability to be comfortable at home.“
The fans will be behind Cris as he takes the ball in Game 2 of the NLDS.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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