Cristopher Sanchez got to experience one of those innings pitchers remember even if they’d rather forget it. Six runs in the first frame against the Royals, the most damage coming off Luke Maile’s bat for a 3-run homer to right-center. Not how you want to start a series finale in Kansas City, especially when you’re supposed to be one of the best starters in the National League. But stuff happens.
Maile’s shot came after a couple of earlier runs had already crossed. Sanchez never really found his rhythm in the inning. The Royals were hacking early and making solid contact. By the time the third out came, it was 6-0 and the Phillies were in a hole too deep for their bats to climb out of.
Then Salvador Perez led off the second inning with a solo home run that traveled 401 feet. That one came off what looked like a decent pitch from Sanchez, a sinker down and away. Didn’t matter. Perez went down and got it. Sometimes the best pitchers get taken deep, even on good pitches. It’s a reminder that hitting is hard but sometimes hitters just win.
Sanchez has been an All-Star this season and there’s a real chance he starts the Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park. His teammate Zack Wheeler didn’t make the cut this year, which tells you how deep the Phillies rotation actually is. Sanchez has earned that spot with his consistency over the first half. One bad inning doesn’t erase that.
For what it’s worth, this kind of thing happens to everybody. Cam Schlittler, one of the American League’s best in 2026, gave up three homers in the first inning of his last start against Detroit. It’s a weird league sometimes. Even the elite arms get tattooed.
Sanchez will get the ball again in five days. The Phillies are still sitting pretty in the standings. This game was just one of those afternoons where nothing went right from the first pitch. It happens. Move on.
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