Sale K's 7, but run-support woes continue in no-decision vs. Brewers
This browser does not support the video element.
ATLANTA -- Chris Sale simply hasn’t gotten recent support from an Atlanta offense that ranks sixth in the league in runs scored.
Entering Sale’s start against the Brewers on Saturday afternoon at Truist Park, the Braves had scored one or fewer runs while he has been the pitcher of record in four of his past six starts.
It was more of the same for Atlanta’s offense in Game 2 of the three-game set against the NL Central-leading Brewers. The Braves earned a 4-3 win thanks to Ozzie Albies’ walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, but Sale only got one more run of support during his outing -- Albies’ solo home run in the bottom of the fifth.
Albies was the first Atlanta hitter to reach base against Brewers starter Kyle Harrison, who retired the first 12 batters that he faced in order.
Sale allowed two runs (both unearned) on five hits over 5 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts.
“I kept us in the ballgame,” Sale said. “Obviously the big story is there at the end. Any time you take a win, that's a plus.”
The Brewers showed off the ability to take advantage of opportunities that had vaulted them to the top of the NL Central standings. They scored two unearned runs in the top of the sixth.
This browser does not support the video element.
After Jackson Chourio singled with one out, Brice Turang reached on a fielder’s choice as Albies bobbled Turang’s ground ball hit to second base. Chourio and Turang were both safe at second and first, respectively, on Albies' fielding error.
Later in the inning, Gaby Sánchez drove in Milwaukee’s first run with a sacrifice fly and Andrew Vaughn gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.
This browser does not support the video element.
Sale pitched to backstop Joey Bart for the first time in his career after the Braves acquired Bart on Thursday.
“I thought he did great,” Sale said of Bart. “The first ball I threw to him today was warming up in the bullpen. [It was] the first time working together [with him], against a really good team. I thought he did a hell of a job.”
Sale -- who hadn’t pitched since June 10 thanks to a rainout, an off-day and some long-term planning -- looked as though he benefitted from additional rest. Over his past four starts, Sale’s four-seamer has averaged 97 mph (May 28 and June 4), 97.5 mph (June 10) and 96.5 mph on Saturday.