Cristopher Sánchez's Impressive Shutout Streak Ends at 50 2/3 Innings Against Padres

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cristopher Sánchez, the ace of the Phillies, saw his remarkable run of consecutive shutout innings come to a halt at 50 2/3 on Wednesday night, as he surrendered a two-out RBI single to Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning. This streak stands as the third longest in history since the Live Ball Era began in 1920, trailing only Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who set the record with 59 scoreless innings in 1988, and Don Drysdale's 58 innings in 1968.

Throughout the game, Sánchez dominated, striking out San Diego's Fernando Tatis Jr. and retiring the side in order during the first inning. He successfully navigated six innings without allowing a run before Ty France hit a two-out double in the seventh, which was followed by Merrill’s single marking the only run Sánchez has allowed since late April. Following the run, the 29-year-old lefty received a warm standing ovation from the crowd, taking a moment to acknowledge the fans.

In achieving this milestone, Sánchez surpassed several notable pitchers, including Sal Maglie, Zack Greinke, and Bob Gibson, whose own streak of 47 consecutive shutout innings came in the same 1968 season as Drysdale’s. With a changeup averaging 86.5 mph and holding opponents to a .153 batting average, Sánchez has been nearly untouchable, having last given up runs during a game against the Giants on April 30.

His previous start against the Padres saw him pitch seven shutout innings, breaking the Phillies' franchise record of 41 innings set by Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1911. “You don’t get to see things like this very often,” said Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly prior to the game. “It’s hard to categorize it. I don’t know if I’ve seen anything that’s really been better than this.”

As of now, Sánchez holds a 6-2 record and boasts an MLB-low ERA of 1.47. Earlier on Wednesday, he was honored as the National League Pitcher of the Month for May, during which he achieved a perfect 4-0 record with 45 strikeouts and just three walks over 39 innings. “It’s pretty cool what he’s doing,” praised Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. “A lot of punch-outs, as well, so that helps us on defense.”

Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013 as an international free agent, Sánchez was traded to the Phillies in 2019. He made his major league debut in 2021 and has since emerged as a star, finishing as the NL Cy Young Award runner-up in 2025. Harper recalled, “I remember they were talking about releasing him in 2020. Just super special.”