Atlanta is erasing the memory of their disastrous 2025 campaign. The Atlanta Braves defeated the Oakland Athletics 5-1 at Truist Park on Wednesday. Veteran left-hander Chris Sale took the mound despite a severe illness. He completely shut down the Oakland lineup. The Braves now hold a strong 4-2 record through their first week of the 2026 season.
Sale turned 37 just two days ago. He spent the hours before first pitch violently ill. Braves manager Walt Weiss admitted he was unsure if his ace could even play. Weiss called the situation “touch and go” and noted Sale could not keep any food down. The team hoped to get just three or four innings from him.
Instead, Sale pitched six dominant innings. He allowed exactly one hit, one run, and zero walks to earn his second win of the season. His velocity dropped. His command did not. According to a detailed report released on Wednesday, Sale retired nearly every batter he faced.
The only damage came in the fourth inning. Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers hit a solo home run. It was his MLB-leading fifth home run of the young season. Oakland found no other answers. They fell to a miserable 1-5 record.
Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin provided the offense. Baldwin drove in four runs. He hit a two-run single and followed it with a two-run double. On the opposing side, Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino struggled heavily. Severino walked five batters and took the loss after being pulled in the fourth inning.
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This early-season victory establishes a brutal contrast to last year. In 2025, the Braves opened the year with seven consecutive road losses and ultimately missed the playoffs. A 4-2 start stabilizes the clubhouse. Sale’s performance also achieved a rare statistical milestone. This was only the second time in Sale’s entire career that he pitched at least six innings while allowing exactly one hit, one run, and zero walks. Weiss summarized the veteran’s mindset bluntly after the final out. “Hall of Famers, they just operate differently,” Weiss said.