Braves' Sale demands ball in 9th to cap 1st complete game since 2019 in 1-0 shutout of Dodgers

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss knew Chris Sale would be throwing 97 pitches through the first eight innings. Both parties were aware that Sale would not leave the game in the ninth. The motivation for Sale to complete the shutout was heightened after receiving news of a friend's death before the match. Weiss commented on Sale's determination, stating that he appeared to be "attacking from the first pitch" with a new look in his eyes.

This different appearance led Weiss to plan Sale's return to the mound for the ninth inning. Sale openly admitted that he received a text before the game informing him of his friend Ashley Foss's death, providing no further details. The 37-year-old left-handed pitcher showcased dominance, allowing only five hits, no walks, and striking out 11 batters in five innings and 81 in seven.

Sale's exceptional performance earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame, according to Weiss. His season-high of 11 strikeouts tied him for seventh all-time, with Sandy Koufax holding the record at 97. Despite Freddie Freeman's single opening the Dodgers' ninth inning, Sale went on to strike out Alex Call in the final at-bat, marking his 17th complete game and first since 2019 with Boston at Kansas City.

This remarkable performance was Sale's fourth shutout career-wise, with his last one coming against the Royals on June 5, 2019. The right-hander's fastball reached triple digits for the first time since July 2018, reaching 100.1 mph. Sale's ERA was lowered to 2.06 with this impressive outing in a highly competitive matchup between National League division leaders.