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Sale shakes off postseason woes, fans Harper with triple-digit heat

Veteran left-hander Chris Sale returned to the postseason on Tuesday after a five-year hiatus, delivering the most dominant playoff start of his career. The Atlanta ace baffled opposing hitters by limiting them to three runs and four hits while striking out nine batters over six and a third innings, surpassing his previous career bests in both longevity and strikeouts during October play.

Early in the contest, Sale pumped a 100 mph fastball past Bryce Harper to complete a first-inning strikeout, marking one of only a handful of triple-digit pitches he has thrown this season. Braves manager Walt Weiss praised the veteran pitcher's consistent excellence before turning to the bullpen in the seventh frame.

Although the relief corps surrendered the lead, Atlanta ultimately secured the victory via a game-winning home run.

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