Sanchez putting up 7 2/3 is so big. I just looked, and only two pitchers in last year's National League and American League Championship series pitched seven innings, and none pitched more. Scherzer got to seven in the division series this year, and no one else could.
Being able to just use one reliever and not put too much stress on him is maybe the most important thing (besides winning the game) that occurred.
I read somewhere (Boswell maybe?) that bullpens are more important in the playoffs because lineups are among the best, and starters rarely make it past six innings. Will be interesting to see how it plays out for our Big Three over the next few games.
Also, does Sanchez move into a relief role now? What do you do with a guy who has been your best postseason starter ever (counting the division series performance)?