Gavin Williams and Cristopher Sanchez make MLB history in Guardians vs. Phillies pitchers' duel

The Cleveland Guardians made the trip out to face the Philadelphia Phillies for a weekend series, and in Game 1 on Friday night, the Guardians won 1-0.

However, it wasn't simply a pitchers' duel between Guardians starter Gavin Williams and Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez; it might be one of the best pitchers' duels ever in MLB history.

As OptaSTATS highlighted after the game, Sanchez and Williams became the first pitchers in MLB since pitch-tracking began in 1988 to have such an elite duel with four qualifiers that make things all the more impressive for both aces.

Gavin Williams and Cristopher Sanchez make ridiculous MLB history

"Since pitches were first tracked in 1988, tonight's @CleGuardians - @Phillies game is the only MLB game where both starting pitchers: pitchers 8.0+ innings, allowed 0 runs, struck out 6+ batters, threw under 100 pitches," OptaSTATS shared.

In the 1-0 win for the Guardians, Williams went eight innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and no runs while striking out 11 batters in 99 pitches.

While the Phillies lost, Sanchez was as dominant as ever, going eight innings, allowing four hits, two walks, and no runs while striking out six batters in 96 pitches.

Williams' performance was more impressive, but both pitchers still were dominant against the opposing offenses, with the only difference a history-making pinch-hit homer from Kyle Manzardo in the ninth inning.

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Since 1988, there has not been a pair of starters to have this performance against one another, which shows how this game might have a case as one of the best pitcher's duels in MLB history.

Sanchez has lowered his ERA to 1.62 with 86 strikeouts in 11 starts with 72.1 innings of work. Williams is down to a 3.25 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 11 starts with 69.1 innings of work.

Sanchez might be the NL Cy Young favorite right now, while Williams is a ways off from such contention, but a start like this one will help him climb back into the race.

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