In a recent game, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez disclosed that home-plate umpire Mark Wegner apologized for a crucial missed strike call. This occurred during the Phillies’ 2-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS).
Key Moments from the Game
Sánchez highlighted the significance of the missed call, stating that Wegner recognized his error and expressed regret to him directly. “You can’t miss those calls,” Sánchez remarked, acknowledging the tension of high-stakes games. He specifically recalled a pivotal moment in the seventh inning, where a critical 2-2 pitch to Dodgers outfielder Alex Call was incorrectly ruled a ball. This misjudgment allowed Call to walk, leading to a sequence that resulted in the game-tying run scored by Mookie Betts.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Dodgers 2, Phillies 1
- Innings: 11
- Notable Players: Cristopher Sánchez, Mark Wegner, Alex Call, Mookie Betts, Orion Kerkering, J.T. Realmuto
The game concluded with the Dodgers advancing to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) after a tightly contested match. In the 11th inning, with the bases loaded, reliever Orion Kerkering’s throw to home plate sailed past catcher J.T. Realmuto, resulting in the decisive run for Los Angeles.
Sánchez’s Performance
Despite the loss, Sánchez delivered a commendable performance. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just one earned run, striking out five batters while issuing only one walk. The pitcher concluded the 2025 season with an impressive record of 13 wins and 5 losses over 32 starts. His season statistics include a 2.50 ERA and a 1.064 WHIP, with an average of 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Notably, Sánchez limited opposing hitters to a .595 on-base plus slugging percentage and maintained a remarkable 1.65 ERA across his last five starts.
Future Implications
The missed call incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges umpires face. However, with the introduction of an Automated Ball Strike (ABS) system scheduled for the 2026 season, the incidence of such missed calls may decrease. This new system will offer teams two challenges per game, allowing them to contest umpire decisions and retain their challenges if successful.
As the Phillies reflect on their second consecutive NLDS exit, Sánchez remains a key player in their future endeavors, promising a strong comeback next season.
