Sale joins elite company with 200 Ks in 7 straight seasons

Chris Sale had his best stuff on Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels.

Sale struck out 13 over eight innings of work, bringing his total to 206 on the season. In doing so, he became only the fifth pitcher in baseball history to punch out at least 200 batters in seven straight seasons, according to MLB.com's Jessica Camerato.

Only Walter Johnson, Tom Seaver, Roger Clemens, and Max Scherzer have reached that milestone.

Sale has struggled in various aspects this season, going 6-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 24 starts, but his ability to fan opponents has never been brought into question. His MLB-leading 13.18 K/9 would be the second-best mark of his career if the season ended today.

The Red Sox defeated the Angels 3-0 at Fenway Park in a brisk two hours and 16 minutes thanks to Sale's efficiency.