Chris Sale Powers Braves to Victory Over Athletics

Montgomery, Alabama – Despite battling an illness, Chris Sale turned in another dominant pitching performance for the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, leading them to a win against the Oakland Athletics.

Overcoming Illness for a Strong Start

Sale allowed only one base runner in six innings, showcasing his resilience and skill. He didn’t initially disclose feeling unwell, but manager Walt Weiss later revealed the extent of Sale’s condition. “He was sick as a dog,” Weiss stated. “We didn’t even know if he was going to be able to make that start.”

Manager Weiss Details Sale's Condition

Weiss admitted he was hoping for just three or four innings from Sale given his illness. However, the veteran pitcher exceeded all expectations, delivering six scoreless innings before handing the game over to the bullpen. The only hit Sale conceded was a single.

Sale's Focus and Performance

“You’re not going to have your best stuff every time,” Sale said, acknowledging the need to adjust. “I really try to raise my focus on that day. Reaching for more stuff when it’s not there is not really the way. I knew I had to find a way to make it a game.”

Braves Rotation Faces Early Challenges

Sale’s performance is particularly crucial given the early-season challenges facing the Braves’ starting rotation. Injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Strider have created uncertainty. However, the Braves are currently 4-2, a significant improvement over their 0-7 start in 2025.

Sale's Career Milestones

Beyond the win, Sale also achieved notable career milestones. He continued his strong start to the season following six scoreless innings on opening night against the Kansas City Royals. He also surpassed Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Warren Spahn for 30th on the all-time strikeout list, and is now just 19 strikeouts behind fellow Hall of Famer Tom Glavine.

Looking Ahead

The Braves will now head to Arizona for their first road trip of the 2026 season. Sale remains focused on the team’s progress. “It’s nice, but we’re not going to hang our hat on it yet. We’re one week in,” he said. “But getting off on the right foot is huge. The energy in the clubhouse is fun.”