The Atlanta Braves swiftly returned home, marking a brief yet crucial respite following a challenging stint on the road. Their homecoming was punctuated by a decisive 5-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox, clinching a two-game sweep on Wednesday night.
Spearheaded by Chris Sale’s stellar pitching performance and an early offensive surge, the Braves found much-needed momentum. Sale’s acquisition initially raised concerns about his fitness, given his limited appearances over the past three seasons due to injury woes.
However, doubts about his durability were dispelled as he took the mound for the Braves. Despite his sporadic outings in recent years, Sale expressed confidence in his physical condition following the trade, emphasizing a lack of injury rehabilitation during the offseason—a first in a long while.
He diligently honed his skills during the offseason, determined to prove his detractors wrong. Sale’s tenure with the Braves commenced on a high note, showcasing his prowess against his former team in a commanding performance.
Pitching six scoreless innings and notching a season-best 10 strikeouts, Sale demonstrated his value as a top-tier starter once more. Additionally, his robust pitch count of 103 pitches marked a significant milestone, surpassing his previous high since May 20 of the preceding season.
