MLB history was made Tuesday night by Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale, even though his team fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Chris Sale is the 8th pitcher in MLB history with 6 Ks through the first two innings of a #Postseason game! https://t.co/KYSHpt4KgS
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) October 6, 2026
Sale became just the eighth pitcher in MLB history to record six strikeouts through the first two innings of a postseason game. The impressive start showcased the veteran left-hander’s ability to overpower Dodgers hitters early, but Atlanta ultimately could not overcome Los Angeles’ offense.
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The Dodgers went on to win 3-1, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five NLDS and moving within one victory of advancing.
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Oct 1, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game three of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The 37-year-old Sale finished the game with seven strikeouts while allowing three runs on three hits over five innings. His historic opening two innings were the highlight of an otherwise difficult night for the Braves, who now face elimination.
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Sale entered the postseason following another strong regular season in Atlanta. He appeared in 27 games and finished with a 14-9 record, a 2.16 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP.
The left-hander’s career postseason results have been more inconsistent, however. In 13 career playoff appearances, Sale owns a 5.79 postseason ERA. Despite that history, his regular-season production made him a key part of Atlanta’s rotation heading into the series.
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The Braves now return home for Game 4 on Wednesday with their season on the line. Atlanta must win to force the series back to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5 on Friday.
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A victory would give the Braves another opportunity to extend their postseason run, while a loss would send the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series for a third consecutive season.
For Sale, the historic strikeout performance will provide a notable individual accomplishment despite the disappointing result. The Braves, however, will be focused on the bigger picture as they attempt to keep their season alive.
With the Dodgers holding a 2-1 series advantage, Atlanta has little margin for error heading into Wednesday’s crucial matchup.
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