While former Burbank resident Jason Hirsh and the Houston Astros are battling for a playoff spot, Sanchez and the Pirates are just hoping to finish with a respectable record.
Sunday's loss to the Astros didn't help.
"That's the perfect example of one to forget, get over and try not to take it into the next series," Sanchez, who went two for four, told mlb.com.
"It's real tough. We were turning the corner and playing some good baseball. The Astros have taken it to us quite a bit this season, and they did it again [Sunday].
"It's just one of those series, I guess. Hopefully, we can put it behind us."
Sanchez, who was drafted in the 11th round by the Boston Red Sox in 2000, went three for five to lead the Pirates to an 11-6 win Monday against the Cubs.
The Pirates entered Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs with a 51-81 record. With the win, the Pirates pulled to within 3 1/2 games of the Cubs for fifth place in the National League Central Division. The Pirates have been alone in the division basement since the second day of the season.
Sanchez got things going with a two-out single in the first inning off Cubs starter Angel Guzman.
"[Monday] was one of those nights where everyone was going up there and having good at-bats and doing what they need to do," Sanchez told mlb.com. "It feels good to see."
Sanchez, who is batting .403 in his last 20 games, is getting support in his quest for a batting title
"Not only is he fighting to win a batting championship," Pittsburgh Manager Jim Tracy told mlb.com. "But the more you watch him offensively, you get a strong sensation that he's getting better as an offensive player because of the plan and approach you see him take with each and every at-bat. This guy is just one terrific offensive player."
