Sale adds Cardinals to his double-digit list - STLtoday.com
If you play for the Chicago White Sox, 33-42 this season, the level has leaned more often toward the latter side. Sale pitched a masterful eight innings in a 2-1, 11-inning win for the White Sox. And in the process, the lefthander accomplished something only one other pitcher in major league history accomplished. By striking out 12 Cardinals, Sale struck out at least 10 batters for the eighth consecutive game, matching what Martinez did during the 1999 season. “That’s not something I really think about,” Sale said. “If that’s not enough to be focused on, then I don’t know what there is to focus on. ”. The Cardinals managed only six hits and a walk against Sale, while all 12 of their strikeouts were swinging. When he first arrived, Sale was coming out of the bullpen for Chicago, leaning on his velocity. “His angle, his velocity, the way he’s able to change speeds, works both side of the plate, he’s just gotten better at all of that,” said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. “He’s as tough now on righthanded hitters as he is on lefthanded hitters. Coming into the night, opposing batters were missing on 34. 4 percent of their swings against Sale, which is the highest. Source: www.stltoday.com
