Chris Sale Pitches Braves to Victory Over Phillies

The 2020s haven’t been too kind to Atlanta Braves lefthander Chris Sale, with the exception of 2024. That year, Sale was 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts. That earned him the NL Cy Young Award. But the rest of the decade has been injury plagued. Last year he pitched well when he was able (7-5, 2.58 ERA) but injuries kept him to just 20 starts.

It looks like that’s behind him, at least as far as the early 2026 season goes. On April 18th, Sale pitched seven innings and allowed just one run and five hits as the Braves beat the Phillies in Philadelphia. Sale improved his record to 4-1 with a 2.79 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. The Braves are off to a flying start, with a 14-7 record, tops in the NL East. They.ve won eight of their last 10 games. The Marlins and Nationals are both 9-12 and trail the Braves by five games. The Nationals will get a chance to cut into that lead when they host a four game series with the Braves beginning on April 21st.

Link to game highlights