Pedro Martinez said he was rooting for left-hander Chris Sale of the White Sox to strike out at least 10 batters again against the Blue Jays on Monday night. Such a total would have taken Martinez's name off the record books. Instead, he and Sale will continue to share the record for most consecutive double-digit strikeout performances, with eight.

Sale still pitched another gem, striking out six and allowing two runs and six hits in a complete-game 4-2 victory. It was only the second time in 10 starts that Sale didn't reach double-digit strikeouts. Sale's duel with Mark Buehrle also produced no walks between them, and took 1 hour, 54 minutes -- the shortest game for anyone in four seasons.

While his record streak is over, Sale's incredible run for the White Sox continues, a bright spot in an otherwise dreary season so far.

Chris Sale double-digit strikeout streak ends.
Six strikeouts? That's it?! (USATSI)

Not just for his team, Sale also is a bright spot for the entire league, Martinez told the Chicago Tribune recently:

"I wish him well," Martinez said in a phone interview. "I hope he sets a record that no one can reach for many years. He has been a really bright spot for baseball, and I'm actually looking in to see him every time he gets on the bump. I really will stop and watch. It's good for baseball.

"I haven't met him in person. But I've seen him, and I'll tell you what, he's someone to really watch closely. He has everything he needs to become a really successful superstar."

Sale's strikeout streak is highlighted by other mini-marks, including a franchise-record 65 strikeouts over a five-game stretch, the most in the majors since Randy Johnson struck out 65 in five consecutive starts in 2001. The American League Pitcher of the Month for June also joined Johnson and Martinez as the only three pitchers to strike out 12 or more in five consecutive starts, and Sandy Koufax as the only two since 1900 to have three straight starts of 12-plus strikeouts with one or no runs allowed.

Sale is something else. Some worry about his slight frame, and his unusual-looking delivery that sometimes appears to put a lot of stress on his left elbow. There might not be anything the White Sox can do about that -- as long as they don't overwork him. Sale came into play Monday ranked 30th in pitches thrown in the majors. So it's hard to say they're being too hard on him.