A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
Cristopher Sánchez’s rough outing in All-Star Game doesn’t dampen his spirits
Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/45xvmjja
Originally published July 15, 2026
PHILADELPHIA — Cristopher Sánchez wanted one more batter.
The Phillies left-hander had already thrown 30 stressful pitches. He had loaded the bases and given up three runs. National League manager Dave Roberts of the Dodgers was ready to come get him with two outs and two men still on.
Sánchez talked his way into staying in the game.
“I asked for one more hitter because I just wanted to get through the inning,” Sánchez said through Phillies interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “Luckily, he let me have that one more hitter and I was able to get out of that first inning.”
It was about the only thing that went according to plan Tuesday night.
Starting the All-Star Game in front of a roaring Citizens Bank Park crowd, Sánchez labored through the opening frame before the American League rolled to a 4-0 victory. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two in the one inning, throwing 34 pitches.
The game began well enough when Sánchez dealt a changeup past South Jersey native Mike Trout of the Angels for a strikeout. But after a walk and a pair of singles loaded the bases, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger lined a two-run single up the middle. Fellow Yankee Ben Rice followed with an RBI single before Sánchez escaped further damage by retiring Riley Greene.
Roberts wasn’t surprised his starter looked different than he has throughout a Cy Young-caliber first half of the season.
“No, he didn’t,” Roberts said when discussing whether Sánchez had his usual stuff. “I think that with Cristopher, it was very emotional for him pitching here, being a starter at the game, so I don’t think that it’s a normal start. He just wasn’t as sharp with his command as he normally is. But it’s one of those things that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Despite a bumpy outing, the moment meant everything to Sánchez, who soaked in the ovation from Phillies fans before the first pitch. He tapped his chest in the bullpen during introductions and waved to family members in the stands.
“Just a sign of respect to the fans and just a little payback for all the love that they gave me on such an important day, both for me and for the fan base,” Sánchez said.
The 29-year-old from the Dominican Republic called it “an incredible experience.”
“Sharing love with the fans and how joyful they are with us, that’s part of this experience,” Sánchez said. “Also sharing the clubhouse with the superstars, it’s just an amazing thing to do.”
Bellinger, who was awarded the Ted Williams All-Star Game MVP, knows how difficult Sánchez has been to solve this season. And he entered just 2-for-8 lifetime against the Phils lefty.
“He’s such a dominant pitcher and his stuff is so good,” Bellinger said. “For me, it was all the guys in front of me. … Bases loaded, two outs, I just tried to keep it simple.”
Later, Bellinger appreciated the significance of delivering the game’s biggest hit against the hometown ace.
“Especially against Sánchez,” Bellinger said. “The pitching was just dominant today.”
National League batters didn’t exactly pick up Sánchez, producing just three hits against the stifling American League arms. The Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh and Bryce Harper were a combined 0-for-5 with four strikeouts.
The first inning was frustrating for Sánchez, but one that hardly overshadowed what got him there. His first-half brilliance this season (11-4, 2.62 ERA, 144 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP) earned him the honor of becoming the first Phillies pitcher to start an All-Star Game since Roy Halladay in 2011. Even after the rocky opening inning, Sánchez left the field to another standing ovation from the home crowd.
“I’m super, super excited,” Sánchez said. “Coming from La Romana, from the Dominican Republic, from basically nothing, this means a lot. It’s just a sign that we’ve been doing things the right way and all that hard work is paying off.”
Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X and Threads at @the_defranc.