GLENDALE, Ariz. - Chris Sale took a big step forward with six scoreless innings against the Reds on Monday that rivaled - if not topped - Jake Peavy's five hitless innings two days earlier.
Making the transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation, Sale gave up eight runs over his first two starts. Against the Reds, Sale was dominant with six strikeouts, no walks and two hits allowed.
"I was out there not trying to throw the nastiest breaking ball I've ever thrown or throwing 100 miles per hour on every pitch,'' Sale said. "Just trying to make pitches instead of trying to do something I'm not capable of doing.''
The Reds scored a run in the ninth against Brian Bruney for a 1-0 win. Hector Santiago and Addison Reed each pitched a scoreless inning for the Sox.