Sanchez had a very impressive rookie season for the Slammers. In 11 starts he posted a 5-2 record with a 2.89 ERA. Sanchez struck out 45 batters and walked only 15. The right-hander went at least six innings in eight of his 11 starts.

Before coming to Joliet, Sanchez was the Midwest Collegiate Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2012. Sanchez finished the 2012 Iowa Wesleyan season with a 10-2 record and a 2.42 earned run average, including 111 strikeouts, 12 walks, 71 hits allowed and 28 runs allowed (25 earned) in 93 innings pitched. He led the MCC in strikeouts and innings pitched, was second in wins and third in earned run average and opponents' batting average (.208).  Sanchez obliterated the Iowa Wesleyan single season strikeout record, becoming the first player in school history to go over 100 K's in a season, and also tied the school record for wins in a season. He also was a recipient of a Gold Glove award with one error in 29 chances in the field.