Levine: Chris Sale Will Never Forget The Night He Broke Strikeout Record
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two hundred seventy-four strikeouts is now the White Sox franchise record for one season. That honor belongs to Chris Sale, who won his 13th game and last of 2015 on Friday evening in a 2-1 victory against the Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field.
Sale passed Ed Walsh's 107-year-old strikeout record of 269 by fanning seven Tiger hitters in his seven innings of work.
"I looked over to the dugout and saw everybody standing up," Sale said. "Obviously, the crowd was going crazy, I took a little time to soak it in and look around to appreciate that moment. It comes and goes really quick, but I will never forget that."
Sale made it through the entire season without missing a start or sitting out with any arm-related pain or soreness. This was a major accomplishment for the 26-year-old superstar, who has made four consecutive All-Star games.
Certain maladies have impacted the lanky lefty from 2010 until this year's campaign.
"That is the most important part of being a starting pitcher," Sale said. "You never want someone else going out there doing your job. Anytime you can go out there take the ball when it's your turn, it's really important. I pride myself on that and hope to build on it."
Sale is under contract control for four more seasons. The White Sox have three top left-handed starters under long-term contract control. That bodes well for the future, and it's reasonable to anticipate a rebound from a disappointing season for Chicago.
"There is always room for improvement," Sale said. "This is a job where you are always constantly learning. These guys want to win. They strive for it. I don't sit here and make any promises. You can't do that in sports. I would have a hard time believing that we would be sitting in the same place with same group of guys next year."
Sale won't see the same exact group in Arizona next spring. Look for the White Sox to shake up the roster one more time, in the offseason. Adding left-handed hitting is once again crucial.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
