Braves’ Chris Sale Seeks First Win Over Nationals Tonight
UPDATE: In a crucial doubleheader matchup, the Atlanta Braves are set to face the Washington Nationals tonight, with veteran left-hander Chris Sale aiming for his first win against the Nationals this season. Following a commanding 11-3 victory in Monday’s opener, this high-stakes game is pivotal for both teams as the season approaches its conclusion.
The nightcap, beginning at 7:05 PM EDT, features Sale (5-5, 2.52 ERA), who has battled injuries this year. He sustained a rib cage fracture on June 18 while playing against the New York Mets, but returned on August 30. Since then, Sale is 0-1 in three starts, showcasing a 2.55 ERA. In his latest outing, he allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings against the Chicago Cubs, striking out nine batters.
Feeling the weight of missed opportunities, Sale reflected on his season, stating, “I was just kind of sitting at my locker and wondering, ‘What if I didn’t get hurt? What if I was able to stay upright this whole year?’” His performance against the Nationals has not been stellar; he is 0-2 with a 3.42 ERA in six games against them historically, having not faced them yet this season.
Meanwhile, the Nationals will counter with MacKenzie Gore (5-14, 4.14 ERA), who also recently returned from injury. Gore missed time due to left shoulder inflammation but showed promise in his last game, allowing only two runs over five innings before the Nationals fell to the Miami Marlins. Despite his struggles, he has maintained a solid 3.38 ERA against the Braves in his career, boasting a record of 3-2 in seven starts.
The Braves are looking to capitalize on their recent offensive surge, highlighted by Matt Olson‘s standout performance on Monday, where he recorded four hits, including a three-run homer. Drake Baldwin also contributed significantly, driving in four runs. Their potent offense could pose a challenge for Gore, who has suffered from a lack of run support this season, receiving just 3.27 runs per nine innings.
In the earlier game today, the Braves have not yet announced their starting pitcher, while the Nationals will send out Jake Irvin (8-12, 5.70 ERA). Irvin has struggled recently, losing his last seven decisions, including five consecutive starts. He previously faced the Braves on May 12, where he delivered a solid performance but did not secure a win.
This doubleheader is a makeup game for a rainout that occurred on May 21, adding extra significance to both teams as they aim to finish the season on a high note. The Braves are currently at 67-83, while the Nationals sit at 62-88 as September winds down.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Sale’s performance tonight, as he seeks to break through against a Nationals team looking to build momentum despite their struggles. The stakes are high, with both teams eager to secure vital wins at this late stage of the season.
Stay tuned for live updates as the game unfolds!
