Chris Sale Reacts to Complete-Game Shutout vs. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers After Braves Win

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale reacted to his complete-game shoutout during the team's 1-0 victory over Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.

"I wish I could tell you I knew it was gonna be like that," Sale said during a Friday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (0:57 mark). "Anytime you're facing a team like that, you just try to put your best foot forward. You know it's gonna be a dogfight, you know it's not gonna come easy."

The 37-year-old tossed 109 pitches in nine innings against the Dodgers, amassing 11 strikeouts without giving up a walk. Sale allowed just five hits as well.

The veteran also discussed the example that he wants to set for the next generation of players.

"I'm doing things that I learned from the guys before me," Sale said Friday (1:51 mark). "I hope if there's something that I do or something that I say or a way I do something, it resonates with somebody and they can use it and then they pass it on. That's a cool thing."

The 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner has been in the conversation for the honor this year.

Sale is in the midst of a dominant 2026 campaign, owning a 13-9 record in 24 starts to go along with a 2.06 ERA and 1.000 WHIP. He's averaging 11.1 strikeouts compared to a mere 1.8 walks per nine innings.

The Braves currently sit atop the NL East standings with a 79-55 record.