Sanchez shuts down Phillies in first CG
MIAMI » Rookie Sixto Sánchez pitched a three-hitter over seven innings for his first complete game in five major league starts, leading the Miami Marlins over Philadelphia 2-1 Sunday in a doubleheader opener to close on the second-place Phillies in the NL East.
Facing the organization that traded him before the 2019 season, Sanchez (3-1) struck out four, walked three and hit a batter. He became the second Marlins pitcher to go the distance by his fifth game. The Marlins acquired Sanchez and catcher Jorge Alfaro for catcher J.T. Realmuto, who did not play after getting banged up Saturday.
Miami (22-20), in line for a playoff berth as a wild card, moved within a half-game of the Phillies (23-21). Zach Eflin (2-1) was to start the second game for Philadelphia, the next-to-last game of the major leagues’ first sevengame, regular-season series since 1967.
Rookie Ramón Rosso (0-1) made his first big league start after five relief appearances and allowed two runs, two hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings. Rosso was added to the Phillies’ active roster as the 29th man.
Andrew Knapp hit a sacrifice fly in the second, but the Marlins went ahead on RBI singles by Corey Dickerson and Starling Marte. Connor Brogdon relieved Rosso with the bases loaded and struck out Garrett Cooper and Isan Díaz. Brogdon recalled from the alternate training site Sunday, retired all seven batters he faced, striking out four.
Realmuto felt hip discomfort running out a ground ball Sat
day. First baseman Rhys Hoskins did not plat after favoring his left arm following a collision with Dickerson’, who was attempting to beat out a grounder.
Miami shortstop Miguel Rojas did not play after jamming his right middle finger when he tripped while running to his position before Saturday’s game.
SATURDAY’S GAME » Bryce Harper homered, doubled and reached base five times, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 12-6 win over the Miami Marlins
on Saturday night.
Harper, who snapped a 1-for-10 funk, also singled and walked twice as the Phillies evened their sevengame series with Miami at 2-2.
Didi Gregorius hit his seventh career grand slam, and Kyle Garlick keyed a five-run eighth with a bases-clearing double. TRAINER’S ROOM » RHP Spencer Howard (shoulder stiffness) was placed on the 10-day IL. Howard started Saturday and was removed after pitching 3 2/3 innings.
UP NEXT » RHP Vince Velasquez (0-0, 5.85) is to start the series finale against Marlins RHOP Pablo Lopez (3-4, 4.50) on Monday.