In Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on October 12, Sánchez struck out four Boston Red Sox batters in the first inning, due to a wild pitch on one of the strikeouts. He became just the second player in Major League history to accomplish this feat in the postseason, following Orval Overall in the 1908 World Series. Sánchez went on to pitch six no-hit innings with 12 strikeouts and six walks. He was lifted prior to the seventh inning due to throwing 116 pitches, but earned the win in a 1–0 Tigers victory. He was not as sharp in Game 5 of the series, surrendering nine hits and four runs (three earned) in six innings, as the Tigers lost 4–3.