Oke News-There have been 91 wins, 1,324 1/3 innings, 1,552 strikeouts and six All-Star appearances that Chris Sale put on his resume in dominant fashion over the past eight seasons.
But for the Red Sox's ace, nothing will match the thrill of today, when he takes the mound for Game 1 of the American League Division Series presented by Doosan against the Astros in the first postseason start of his career, The challenge will be stiff, as Sale goes against a potent Houston offense that won 101 games and finished the season red hot. And the opposing pitcher will be Justin Verlander, the power righty who Sale had many battles against during their years together in the AL Central. These are the challenges the lanky left-hander longed to be a part of for all those years he watched the postseason on television.The way the Red Sox are built, they will have to lean heavily on Sale to make a prolonged run this October. And if that means pitching on three days' rest as early as Game 4 of this series, Sale says to bring it on.
The Red Sox have been waiting for this since they acquired Sale from the White Sox in a blockbuster trade 10 months ago. Sale has been waiting for it a lot longer than that.In 32 starts this season, Sale was 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA and 308 strikeouts. Across the board, his numbers are dazzling. Only Indians ace Corey Kluber can compare in the AL this season.
And now, everyone will see if Sale can reach even another gear in the postseason. One thing is for sure: The Red Sox look forward to watching him try.
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