Folks, let’s talk about the show Chris Sale put on in the Atlanta Braves’ 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Sale was at it again, delivering another masterful performance that’s got everyone buzzing about his Cy Young chances. In his six innings of work, Sale allowed just one run on six hits and a walk, striking out six batters. He was efficient, sharp, and completely in control, throwing a season-high 109 pitches.
Now, things got a little dicey in Sale’s sixth and final inning. The Twins were pressing, looking for a way to break through, but Sale didn’t flinch. He dug deep, tightened up, and only allowed the one run before closing out the inning. It’s these kinds of moments that define a pitcher’s season and build a case for the Cy Young Award. Sale himself put it best: “I think sometimes in those situations, I kind of rear back a little bit more and try to keep it there, especially in a close game.”
And it’s not just about the numbers with Sale; it’s about how he handles pressure. Braves manager Brian Snitker couldn’t have been more impressed, saying, “He pitched his rear off. It’s why he’s the frontrunner for the Cy Young because that’s not the first time he’s done that… he’s unbelievable when he gets his back to the wall like that.”
“That is why that guy is the front runner for the Cy Young. He is unbelievable when he has his back against the wall.”
Brian Snitker raves about Chris Sale’s performance tonight against the Twins⤵️ https://t.co/4ES9Xs6t5D pic.twitter.com/WrO5w2SYQL
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 29, 2024
But hold on, there’s more! Sale made a bit of history during this outing. With his 193rd strikeout of the season, he broke the Braves’ record for the most strikeouts in a single season by a left-handed pitcher—a record that had stood since 1991, when Hall of Famer Tom Glavine set it. Before Glavine, it was the legendary Warren Spahn who held the mark. So, Sale’s now in some elite company, but he’s not letting it distract him. “I do appreciate that,” Sale acknowledged. “But at the same time, I’ve got a job to do. Whoever I’m pitching against next doesn’t give a damn about any of that.”
As of now, Sale’s numbers are just dazzling. He’s got a league-leading 2.58 ERA, 197 strikeouts, and 15 wins. With those stats, he’s in the driver’s seat not just for the Cy Young but also for the pitching Triple Crown. It’s clear that Sale’s bounced back in a big way this season, and the expectations are through the roof. As Snitker put it, “This is not a small sample anymore.”
So, Braves fans, buckle up because Chris Sale is on a tear, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. The Cy Young race is heating up, and Sale’s making a strong case that he’s the man to beat.
Image Credit: Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale took down the Minnesota Twins. / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
