But in front of a mostly empty Camden Yards, home of one of baseball’s most desolate franchises in the Orioles, Sale seemed to regain his best stuff Wednesday. His fastball reached 93 mph, but more importantly, his slider was untouchable. Behind that offering, he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, struck out 14 over eight and threw an immaculate inning.
It was the 96th spotless frame in MLB history.
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Take a look at how this breaking ball drops off the table, prompting a feeble check swing. It’s what Sale can repeatedly do to hitters when he’s rolling.
Sale had demonstrated progress in recent weeks, allowing two earned runs or fewer in three straight starts entering Wednesday. Now he has a vintage gem from which he can continue to build his confidence.
For the Red Sox, who, like their ace, have stumbled early in the season, the showing was a welcome sign.
