Chris Sale threw seven masterful innings and Ozzie Albies returned from the injured list to get two hits and help the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Cleveland Guardians 6-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.
The Braves have won four in a row and 10 of their last 11. Atlanta and Cleveland are now tied with a major-league-best 18 wins.
Sale (3-1) gave up a game-opening homer to Steven Kwan, but he later retired the final 17 batters he faced.