Anibal Sanchez accomplished something Saturday that hasn’t been done in more than a century.
Sanchez struck out four hitters in the first inning of Game 1 of the Red Sox-Tigers ALCS at Fenway Park. He’s only the second pitcher in MLB history to strike out four hitters in one inning in a postseason game. The other pitcher to accomplish the feat was Orval Overall in the 1908 World Series.
Sanchez struck out Jacoby Ellsbury to begin Saturday’s Game 1, and then struck out Shane Victorino on a slider out of the strike zone. The third strike to Victorino got past catcher Alex Avila, though, and the Flyin’ Hawaiian reached safely at first base.
Dustin Pedroia also walked in the first inning, but Sanchez ended the inning by striking out David Ortiz and Mike Napoli, giving him a total of four K’s for the frame.
Sanchez struck out Daniel Nava to begin the second inning as well.
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