Sale Throws Complete-Game Shutout, Dedicates Performance to Late Family Friend

Chris Sale pitched a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers, his first since 2019, leading the Braves to a 1-0 win. He dedicated the performance to Ashley Foss, a family friend who passed away earlier that day. Manager Walt Weiss called Sale's effort a Hall of Fame performance.

EXPANDED:

Sale's shutout marked his 17th career complete game and his first since June 2019, when he blanked the Royals while with Boston. He previously led the American League in complete games twice during his early career. The ninth inning proved eventful, featuring a replay review and multiple baserunners, forcing Sale to throw warm-up pitches between outs to stay sharp.

The personal significance ran deep. Foss, who died Thursday at age 42, was a devoted Braves fan who watched every game. Sale's connection to the Foss family spans nearly two decades through his agency. He described feeling an unusual presence during the start, attributing it to her. Manager Walt