Chris Sale allowed only five hits in seven innings, maintaining his excellent performance as the Atlanta Braves won 3-0 against the San Diego Padres on Monday night, splitting a doubleheader.
The Padres had won the first three games in the series. Manny Machado’s two-run double in the eighth inning put San Diego ahead, and the Padres rallied from a five-run deficit to win the first game of the doubleheader, 6-5.
In the second game, Sale (7-1) struck out nine batters without walking, claiming his sixth consecutive victory. He has not allowed a run in his last three outings, spanning 20 innings. During this strong period, he has 28 strikeouts and just one walk.
“I know about as well as anybody how quick that coin can flip,” Sale stated. “There is a long way to go and nothing to hang your hat on yet. … I wouldn’t say I am completely satisfied.”
Sale was instrumental in ending the team’s four-game losing streak. “I think he expects to be that guy,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, who also said Sale “has been just nails” throughout his scoreless run.
Pierce Johnson and Raisel Iglesias completed the seven-hitter, with Iglesias throwing a spotless ninth inning for his eleventh save. Rain forced Saturday night’s game to be postponed, thus the second game was scheduled.
Marcell Ozuna hit a home run in each game this season, bringing his total to 14. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead in the second game after Ozuna hit a fifth-inning liner over the left-field wall off Randy Vásquez (0-3).
Ronald Acuña Jr. began the game against Vásquez with his first triple of the season and scored on Ozzie Albies’ single.
The Braves blew a 5-0 lead in the first game, squandering a good start by Reynaldo López. Machado’s hit off Joe Jiménez (1-1) brought in Jurickson Profar and Jake Cronenworth, completing a four-run inning. Cronenworth singled home two runs in the same inning.
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