Chris Sale once again delivered a masterful performance in the Atlanta Braves’ 5-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. He pitched six innings with one run, allowed six hits and one walk, and had six strikeouts. He threw a season-high 109 pitches.
Sale ran into trouble in his sixth and final frame, but he pulled himself together and escaped, allowing just one run.
“I think in situations like that sometimes I go a little further back and try to keep the ball there, especially in a close game,” Sale said. said.
These are the kind of innings that show your value and strengthen your chances of winning the Cy Young.
“He worked his butt off,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said“That’s why he’s the favorite for the Cy Young, because this isn’t the first time he’s done it… it’s incredible to see him with his back against the wall like that.”
Sale also made team history with his appearance. With his 193rd strikeout, he set the record for most strikeouts by a left-hander in a season – he finished the game with 197. The record had been held by Hall of Famer Tom Glavine since 1991 – 33 years ago. Before that, Boston Braves legend Warren Spahn held the record with 190.
Not bad company when you list the Braves’ left-handed players. Sale, however, didn’t let history stop him from doing his job.
“I really appreciate that. I know some of the people who have been in that organization and I have a lot of respect for them,” Sale said. said after the game. “But at the same time, I have a job to do. Whoever is up against me next, they don’t care. They’re after me, so I appreciate that, but I still have some work to do.”
Sale lowered his ERA to 2.58 this season, still leading the league. He also leads the league in strikeouts and wins (15). He still has a good shot at the Cy Young and Triple Crown.
At this point, there is no doubt that he has recovered.
“The expectations are really high right now because he’s always done this. You expect him to do well because he’s always done this,” Snitker said. said“This is no longer a small sample.”
