What happened: Chris Sale closed the regular season with 200 strikeouts in his final start.
Why it matters: Opening game carries outsized weight in a short series. A strong start shapes rotation choices for the games that follow.
By the numbers: Sale: 200 strikeouts in final regular-season start; Wild Card Series Game 1 winners 21-3 in last five series (88%).
What to watch: Watch series-opening pitching plans as first pitch approaches.