Tuesday represented a different story.
Boston could get nothing going against breakout star Cristopher Sánchez, who recorded 12 strikeouts in a complete game as Philadelphia won, 4-1. Sánchez allowed just four hits — including two infield singles — and the only Boston runner to get past third base was Rob Refsnyder, who homered to lead off the fourth.
“Oof,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “Electric. He’s one of the best pitchers in the big leagues. His fastball is unique. His changeup is, too. Today, he was on point.”
“The command, the extension, the movement, the changeup. That was one of the best I’ve seen in a while.”
The Red Sox, who bludgeoned the pitching staffs of lowly teams like Washington and Colorado to put a 10-game winning streak before the All-Star break, have quickly cooled at the plate to start the second half. In five games against the Cubs and Phillies, the Sox have scored just 10 runs, with six coming late in Sunday’s win. In the four losses, Boston has scored a total of four times.
That solid starters like Chicago’s Colin Rea and Shota Imanaga and Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler and Sánchez have pitched those games is no coincidence.
“It’s part of the schedule,” Cora said. “We’ve got to show up tomorrow and win a game.”
Red Sox hitters have struck out 28 times over 19 innings in the two losses at Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Sánchez used a three-pitch mix to generate 19 swings-and-misses, including 14 on his changeup.
“He was commanding the sinker and the changeup really good,” said catcher Carlos Narváez, who was 0-for-3 with a strikeout. “Mixing the slider a little bit. The changeup was nasty. I faced him last year. I kinda knew what was my approach but the changeup was really good today.”
Rookie Roman Anthony had been surging before arriving at Citizens Bank Park, hitting .338 with a homer, eight doubles and a .901 OPS in his previous 21 games (88 plate appearances). But against top-line pitching, he has struggled mightily, going 1-for-9 with eight strikeouts in Philadelphia. Sánchez got him four times Tuesday.
“Good pitching, execution,” said Cora. “He’ll be OK.”
The task for the Red Sox doesn’t get much easier Wednesday with talented lefty Jesús Luzardo on the hill for the Phillies. Boston can only hope he’s not as dialed in as Sánchez.
“That’s the reason they (the Phillies) are good,“ Cora said. ”If we want to play in October, we have to find a way to hit those guys. Yesterday, we battled, did a good job against Wheeler. We had our chances. Tonight, I think he was outstanding. You’ve got to tip your hat.”
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