Chris Sale didn’t get any strikeouts in his last start, a career first in a non-injury related outing.

Six days later, Sale struck back by turning in a stellar performance against the Guardians that should quell some of the concerns about his inconsistency this season, at least until he takes the ball next on Friday night in Philadelphia.

Achieving season highs in innings (6 1/3) and pitches (98), Sale limited Cleveland to three hits and one run, walking none and striking out five to lead his Red Sox to a 7-1 victory in a soggy Sunday rubber match of a three-game series at Fenway.