Red Sox starters Chris Sale, Rick Porcello reach double-digits strikeouts without walks
By Sean Penney
The Boston Red Sox received stellar starts from Chris Sale and Rick Porcello in consecutive games with each recording 10+ strikeouts without a walk.
The Boston Red Sox starting rotation has been among the league’s best all year but in their last two games, they’ve accomplished something that two pitchers haven’t done in the history of the franchise.
Chris Sale struck out 12 batters without issuing a walk in Sunday’s win in Baltimore. An off day separated that outing from Rick Porcello‘s start in Philadelphia where he struck out a season-high 10 with no walks. This marks the first time in franchise history that starting pitchers have recorded 10+ strikeouts without allowing a walk in consecutive games.
This is the first time Red Sox starting pitchers have ever recorded 10+ strikeouts and 0 walks in consecutive team games (source: @EliasSports). Rick Porcello had 10 K and 0 BB tonight, after Chris Sale had 12 K and 0 BB on Sunday.
— J.P. Long (@SoxNotes) August 15, 2018
Making his first start since returning from a brief disabled list stint, Sale didn’t miss a beat in blanking the Orioles over five innings. The Red Sox aimed to limit his pitch count following his recovery from mild shoulder inflammation. Amazingly, Sale racked up those 12 strikeouts with only 68 pitches.
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Porcello had an efficient outing as well, needing only 90 pitches to cruise through seven innings. He allowed one run on two hits while reaching double-digit strikeouts for the first time this season. He also pumped up the Red Sox dugout with a double in his first plate appearance – although his slide into second base may have induced some mild panic attacks from fans.
This was an encouraging sign from Porcello coming off a brutal outing in Toronto. The Blue Jays shelled him for seven runs and he walked three in only four innings. The Porcello we saw Tuesday night showcased the control we expect from him, showing he’s back on track.
This string of efficiency from Red Sox starters is even more impressive when you look back to David Price‘s outing in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader in Baltimore. The lefty struck out 10 over six shutout innings without walking a batter. The only thing stopping this franchise record from extending to a three-game streak is Saturday’s nightcap in which the Red Sox turned to a bullpen game to finish the doubleheader.
Boston’s starting rotation ranks third in the American League this season with a collective 3.56 ERA, 3.68 FIP, 13.0 WAR. They are also second with a 9.62 K/9 and fifth with a 2.72 BB/9. They have been even better since the All-Star break, posting a collective 2.65 ERA, 9.18 K/9, and 2.31 BB/9.
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We know the league-leading offense can carry the Red Sox at times but in the postseason you need pitching to succeed. Sale is as good as they come on the mound. If the Red Sox continue to receive efficient outings with high strikeout totals and low walk rates from Porcello and Price then it will vastly improve their chances of winning a Wolrd Series.