Matt Olson hit two of Atlanta’s six home runs, and Chris Sale earned his major league-leading 18th win as the Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 15-3 on Thursday.
The Braves became the first team in major league history to hit four three-run homers in a single game, according to Elias. They remain two games behind the last NL wild-card spot.
Along with his career-high win total, Sale (18-3) also leads the majors in ERA at 2.38 and strikeouts with 225.
“I felt good. I was able to get through it,” said Sale, who expects to make two more starts and has a chance to win 20 games. “This was a little bit of a grind, but when the offense goes off like that, it takes a little bit off what I need to do.”
Sale pitched five innings, allowing two runs and five hits, with two walks and six strikeouts. This marked the 18th straight game in which he allowed two runs or fewer.
“I could tell he was beat (tired),” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “I just think it was hot. It’s an early game. The way he competed to get through that, especially in that last inning, he’s different. He has 18 wins for a reason.”
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