The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up to extend their winning streak with starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez leading the charge against the Chicago Cubs. Sanchez has been instrumental in the Phillies’ recent success, as they have won five consecutive games when he takes the mound. The team is hopeful that Sanchez can continue his dominant performance as they wrap up their three-game series against the Cubs.
Riding a roller-coaster of emotions in the first two games of the series, the Phillies clinched the National League East title with a 6-2 victory over the Cubs on Monday. However, they suffered a disappointing 10-4 loss on Tuesday despite home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Schwarber emphasized the importance of bouncing back from the defeat, stating, “You obviously want to go out there and keep winning. We’ve got to put this one behind us and focus on these next four games.”
Currently, the Phillies hold a record of 93-65, trailing just half a game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the top seed in the National League playoffs. With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Phillies are determined to secure the top spot, especially since they hold the tiebreaker against the Dodgers.
Sanchez, with an 11-9 record and a 3.25 ERA, has been a key asset for the Phillies this season. In his last four starts, he boasts a 2-0 record with a stellar 1.80 ERA. Despite issuing a career-high five walks in his most recent outing against the New York Mets, Sanchez managed to limit the damage to two runs in five innings. Notably, Sanchez has excelled at home with a 2.05 ERA, compared to a 5.02 ERA on the road.
One of Sanchez’s toughest starts of the season occurred at Wrigley Field on the Fourth of July, where he surrendered seven runs in four-plus innings during a 10-2 loss to the Cubs. This matchup will serve as a redemption opportunity for Sanchez as he aims to showcase his capabilities against Chicago once again.
On the opposing side, the Cubs will send Javier Assad to the mound. Assad, with a 7-5 record and a 3.34 ERA, has been a reliable starter for Chicago this season. Despite posting similar home-road splits to Sanchez, Assad has a slightly better ERA at home (2.47) compared to away games (4.17). In his two career appearances against the Phillies, Assad has been impressive with a 1-0 record and a flawless 0.00 ERA.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell commended Assad for his stellar performance throughout the season, stating, “Javy’s had a really good season. He’s handled the increased responsibility and deserved it. I’m proud of him for that, and he should be proud of that.”
Chicago enters the game with momentum after a convincing 10-4 victory over the Phillies, where they outperformed their opponents with a 15-7 hit advantage. Cody Bellinger led the charge with a 3-for-5 performance, driving in four runs, while Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner also contributed offensively.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Bryce Harper for his impressive display, as the outfielder notched his 30th home run and recorded his second consecutive two-hit game. Harper’s contributions will be crucial as the Phillies look to bounce back from their recent defeat and secure a win against the Cubs.
Additionally, the Phillies welcomed back left fielder Austin Hays, who returned to the lineup after missing over three weeks with a kidney infection. Hays went 1-for-4 in his return, and his presence in the lineup is expected to bolster the team’s performance down the stretch.
However, the Cubs may face challenges with the potential absence of key players Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki. Busch left the game early after being hit by a pitch in his right arm, while Suzuki exited with a sprained right ankle. Their availability for the upcoming game against the Phillies remains uncertain.
As the Phillies and Cubs prepare to face off in the series finale, both teams are eager to secure a victory for different reasons. The Phillies are focused on maintaining their winning streak and securing the top seed in the National League playoffs, while the Cubs aim to build on their recent success and finish the season on a high note. With Sanchez and Assad leading their respective teams on the mound, fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown between these two talented squads.
