The Boston Crimson Sox took on a well-known face Wednesday evening, and it didn’t go effectively. Left-hander Chris Sale struck out a season-high 10 batters in six shutout innings towards his former group, serving to the Atlanta Braves to a 5-0 win (field rating). Sale has a 2.95 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings this season.

“Going through your mates and your outdated group is thrilling,” Sale mentioned following Wednesday’s recreation (via The Athletic). “So, I am glad I did not suck.”

Within the first inning Wednesday, Sale struck out Vaughn Grissom — the participant he was traded for — with runners on second and third to finish the body. Grissom went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts towards Sale and 0 for 4 within the recreation general. Listed below are Sale’s 10 strikeouts:

The Braves traded Grissom for Sale (and money) in December and shortly thereafter signed the seven-time All-Star to a two-year contract extension. The Crimson Sox saved some cash and added a younger infielder whereas the Braves discovered a artistic approach so as to add a probably nice starter throughout a sluggish offseason. Seven begins into 2024, Sale has certainly been an influence pitcher.

“It’s going to be enjoyable. It is like taking part in golf towards your buddies,” Sale advised NESN earlier this week about dealing with the Crimson Sox. “You at all times get pleasure from that rivalry, that pleasant rivalry. On the finish of the day, when you step in between the strains, all bets are off. It is me vs. you. It is us vs. them. And we’re attempting to win … There’s only a sure stage of respect we’ll at all times have for one another, once more, off the sector and earlier than the sport. It is completely different, however as soon as the lights flick on and it is time to play, all of us have jobs to do.”  

As for the Crimson Sox, they do not miss Sale one bit. They entered play Wednesday with an MLB greatest 2.65 ERA, and their starters have a 2.13 ERA. Grissom is 2 for 17 with the Crimson Sox — he missed the beginning of the season with a hamstring damage and has performed solely 4 video games — however, all issues thought-about, it looks like each groups have made out effectively with the commerce.

Wednesday’s win improved the Braves to 22-12 on the younger season. The stunning Crimson Sox are 19-18 after ending in final place final season.