Cristopher Sánchez sets MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings by a lefty pitcher
By extending his streak to 45⅔ innings, Sánchez surpassed Carl Hubbell (45⅓) for the longest by any left-handed pitcher.
Cristopher Sánchez made history.
Again.
One week after eclipsing a 115-year-old benchmark for the longest scoreless streak ever by a Phillies pitcher, Sánchez retired the side in the first inning Wednesday night and went where no other lefty has gone before.
By extending his streak to 45⅔ innings, Sánchez moved into a tie for the sixth-longest ever since at least 1893 — and the longest by any left-handed pitcher.
» READ MORE: Next up for Cristopher Sánchez: A chance at major league history vs. the Padres
Sánchez passed Sal Maglie, Cy Young, and lefty Doc White (45 innings), as well as Carl Hubbell (45⅓), a Hall of Famer who held the lefty mark.
It took 13 pitches — plus, one confirmed replay review and one confirmed ABS challenge — for Sánchez to get through Fernando Tatis Jr., Miguel Andujar, and Manny Machado atop the Padres’ order.
Tatis struck out on a vintage Sánchez changeup before second baseman Bryson Stott ranged behind second base to throw out Andujar. The Padres asked for a review, and the call was upheld.
Machado unsuccessfully challenged a strike call on an 0-1 sinker before grounding to shortstop.
Sánchez tied Zack Greinke for sixth all-time. Bob Gibson’s 47-inning streak from 1968 is next up in his sights.
» READ MORE: Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez is approaching history, and Orel Hershiser knows the feeling well
“I’ll tell you guys the truth, man, I don’t think a lot of us are talking about it,” Bryce Harper said before the game. “Not just because it’s a streak, but it just seems simple and normal for him to go out there and just pitch and do his thing.
“He’s just a super special pitcher. Nothing against the streak or anything, but he’s been doing it for so long that it feels like he’s been on the streak for a couple of years, you know what I’m saying?
“It’s a lot of fun to be part of, and it’s really cool.”
The Phillies are desperate for right-handed hitting. Mike Trout bats right-handed. But Trout also has full no-trade rights and has never asked the Angels to move him. Joe Maddon, Trout's manager for three years, joins "Phillies Extra" to answer the most important question: Why? And will this be the year that Trout asks out? Maddon also shares his thoughts on the Phillies' managerial change, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and more. Watch here.
You can also subscribe to the podcast version of Phillies Extra on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Previous episodes: Rhys Hoskins | Terry Francona | Aaron Rowand | Hunter Pence | Paco Figueroa | Gage Wood | Scott Boras | Brian Barber | Aaron Nola | Justin Crawford
