Chris Sale, the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner, demonstrated his prowess on the mound with an outstanding performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, defending champions. On Thursday, Sale threw 97 pitches through eight innings and declared his determination to finish the game. “This is mine,” Sale stated to manager Walt Weiss. With 12 more pitches, Sale secured a 1-0 shutout, marking a clean sweep of the Dodgers by the Braves. The Braves edged out the Dodgers by one run in each game of the series, further solidifying their NL East lead.
At 37, Sale’s skill continues to shine. His performance on Thursday highlighted his place among baseball’s elite. He stands strong in the Cy Young Award competition alongside Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers’ formidable pitcher, who set a new speed record for the fastest pitch thrown by a starter.
Sale, whose fastest pitches since 2018 were seen while facing Shohei Ohtani, recorded his first complete game since 2019. Sale’s ERA is at a notable 2.06, ranking second in the majors, just behind Misiorowski. Sale’s streak of starts with three runs or fewer reached 21, underlining his consistency.
Ohtani faced challenges against Sale, striking out twice. Weiss commented on Sale’s enduring excellence, stating, “You can make an argument that, as great a career as he’s having, he’s as good now as he’s ever been. It’s mind-boggling.” Sale’s previous triple-digit fastball occurred on July 6, 2018, during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, the season before surgical intervention altered his career.
Sale expressed the competitive nature of games against formidable teams, noting the importance of presenting one’s best effort during these matchups. “Anytime you’re facing a team like that you just try to put your best foot forward,” Sale shared on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Only one Dodgers player reached scoring position during Sale’s tenure on the mound.
Videos on social media captured Sale’s son reacting as his father returned to the mound for the ninth inning. Sale reflected on the emotional value of family moments seen post-game. “The family stuff, it’s fun…it’s just so special,” said Sale on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Adding to the night’s emotive ambiance, Sale played with the memory of Ashley Foss, a close family friend who died of cancer before the game. Sale’s financial affairs have long been managed by Foss’ family.
Despite Sale’s spotlight, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a strong performance for the Dodgers. The reigning World Series MVP allowed one run in 6.1 innings, challenged by Braves catcher Drake Baldwin’s homer. As the week progresses, the Braves host the Rockies in a forthcoming three-game series, while the Dodgers head to Detroit to face the Tigers. Tarik Skubal anticipates a poignant reunion, competing against his former team since his trade to Los Angeles.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.