Chris Sale struck out eight and pitched seven innings of one-run ball, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.

1) Boston dropped to two games under .500 (22-24) as their old ace outdueled their new ace. The Sox entered the top of the ninth behind only 2-1. But Liam Hendriks walked two batters, then Brennan Bernardino issued three walks, including two bases-loaded walks.

But the injury bug soon bit Sale. There was Tommy John surgery, a broken rib, a cranky shoulder, a broken wrist, a broken finger. In his final five seasons in Boston, he made just 56 starts. Following the 2023 season, the Sox traded Sale to the Braves with Atlanta clinging to the hope that he might recapture some of his early career success.