Leftover thoughts on Chris Sale's dominant night, from accountability to Corey Kluber to the view from Rockies dugout

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BOSTON -- Leftover thoughts on Chris Sale's 17-strikeout gem, which we can't quite call a masterpiece, since he allowed a late two-run homer and took a no-decision...

Sale actually accepted blame for the 5-4 defeat, saying the long ball he surrendered to All-Star Nolan Arenado let the Rockies back in the game. On Wednesday, manager Alex Cora praised Sale's accountability, which stood in contrast to relievers Brandon Workman and Ryan Brasier, who each allowed go-ahead hits after Sale departed, but left the clubhouse without speaking to reporters.

"He's accountable and he's transparent and that's the type of player you want," Cora said, adding that he'd address the players leaving early.

"I'll make sure I talk to those guys," Cora said. "I didn't know. We always say that players have to be responsible, transparent, and accountable. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again."...

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Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds was probably born to play in Colorado, given his all-or-nothing approach. A decade ago, he earned MVP votes with the Diamondbacks despite striking out a record 223 times. Forty-four home runs proved an equalizer.

Reynolds is no stranger to strikeouts, which is why it should come as no surprise that when Indians ace Corey Kluber struck out a career-high 18 vs. the Cardinals in 2015, Reynolds was in the opposing lineup. He struck out in all three plate appearances -- including for strikeout No. 18 -- in a performance that was even more dominating than Sale's. 

Kluber limited the Cardinals to one hit in eight innings and didn't walk anyone.

Also like Sale, he was lifted before he could take a run at 20 strikeouts, departing after 113 pitches in Cleveland's 2-0 victory. Former Red Sox right-hander John Lackey took the loss.

"I know Corey, too," Reynolds said ruefully. "If he's on, no one can touch him, either. Baseball is a really hard game. 
Guys throwing really hard with nasty stuff, Corey and Sale, it's not fun to be a hitter, especially against those guys. When you run into someone that's on at the quality of pitcher he is, it's going to be tough sledding." . . .

Most of the Rockies hadn't faced Sale before Tuesday, which played in the left-hander's favor. Of those that had, catcher Chris Iannetta noted that Sale's stuff has changed since his overpowering prime. The pitch that really stood out? His slider.

"It was tough," he said. "It was slower than it appeared. Everyone knows it's going to break and everyone knows it's extremely sharp, but it looks like it's a lot harder than it is, and then you go to swing and you're out front."

Added Reynolds: "In the past, I felt like he didn't locate as well. [Tuesday] he was throwing every pitch for a strike. 3-2 sliders, changeups, whatever, it was a strike. We had to battle. His slider was really sharp. It didn't help that it was 35 degrees out."


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