The late-inning dramatics somewhat overshadowed dominating performances from the starting pitchers on both sides. Chris Sale picked up his fourth consecutive quality start of the year as he set a season high with 13 strikeouts over eight scoreless innings. He limited the Blue Jays to four hits and one walk, but he was pulled from the game with 102 pitches in favor of Kimbrel after Boston took the lead in the top of the ninth in favor of Kimbrel.
Right-hander Marco Estrada was almost as good, but he too was forced to settle for a no-decision as Sale matched him pitch for pitch.