Categories: 2024 Postgame Recaps

Cristopher Sánchez fires shutout as Phillies begin life without Harper and Schwarber

Cristopher Sánchez tossed a complete game shutout on Friday. (Don Otto/Phillies Nation)

Final Score: Phillies 2, Marlins 0

With Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both landing on the 10-day injured list on Friday, Rob Thomson had to put together a new-look lineup for the Phillies’ game against the Miami Marlins.

Bryson Stott was in the leadoff spot. Alec Bohm was batting third, one spot ahead of Brandon Marsh, who was playing right field with Nick Castellanos at designated hitter in the five-hole. Kody Clemens, reinstated from the injured list, played first and batted sixth. Johan Rojas, recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, played center field and batted ninth.

Facing Miami starter Kyle Tyler and reliever Declan Cronin, Thomson’s altered lineup scored one run on five hits through seven innings, going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding four runners — all at third — on the bases. The lone run they scored came on an RBI groundout by Stott.

In the eighth, they added another run to the board because of Stott. Leading off the inning, Rojas got to second with a hustle double after center fielder Vidal Bruján made little effort to field the ball that trickled onto the outfield grass. Rojas made his way to third on a wild pitch and then Stott flied a ball to left field for a sacrifice fly and another RBI.

Fortunately for the Phillies, two runs was all they needed. Cristopher Sánchez stepped up big time for his club, firing the first complete game and shutout of his career. The left-hander surrendered just three hits — all singles — while striking out nine Marlins batters and not walking one.

After allowing a leadoff single to begin the eighth, Sánchez got out the frame by inducing a groundout, pop out and striking out Bruján, stranding a runner at second base. He finished things off in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning, striking out Josh Bell to end the game.

Postgame, Thomson said the decision to keep Sánchez in the game for the ninth became easy after the Phillies scored their second run of the game in the eighth. “I’m so proud of him,” Thomson said in regards to Sánchez and the pitcher he’s become.

Highlights

After a leadoff single in the top of the third inning, Stott helped turn a double play you don’t see every day. He caught a line drive and threw the baserunner, who was trying to steal second on the play, out at first base.

Stott’s RBI groundout came in the fifth inning. With runners on the corners, he grounded a ball to second. The Marlins were looking to turn a double play, but Stott hustled down the line and shortstop Tim Anderson didn’t attempt to make a throw to first after getting the force out at second. Whit Merrifield scored from third, making it 1-0 Phillies.
Rojas showed off his awareness and speed on his double in the eighth inning.

Stott’s sacrifice fly put the Phillies ahead 2-0.

Notes

Before Friday’s game, the Phillies placed Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list. While both Harper and Schwarber will miss some time, it seems as though the worst-case scenario was avoided with both players and their respective injuries.

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