The Atlanta Braves secured a 4-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a dominant, history-making performance by right-hander Spencer Strider.
Pitching at Truist Park, Strider looked every bit the ace he was before his recent injury setbacks. The 26-year-old returned to top form, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and one walk. Most impressively, he racked up 13 strikeouts, marking a milestone moment in Braves franchise history.
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According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Strider’s outing tied him with Hall of Famer John Smoltz for the most games (five) with 13 or more strikeouts by a Braves pitcher in at least the last 125 seasons.
The only other name on that list is the legendary Warren Spahn, who accomplished the feat four times.
The outing was a much-needed bounce-back for Strider, who entered the game with an 0-5 record. He not only earned his first win of the season but also lowered his ERA to 4.35 and now boasts 37 strikeouts over 31 innings pitched this year. The game also marked the return of his elite velocity, consistently hitting 98 mph on the radar gun.
Strider, who missed time due to Tommy John surgery and a hamstring injury, is now 32-15 with a 3.54 ERA and 532 strikeouts in just 360.2 career innings. If the Braves, currently sitting at a disappointing 31-37, hope to salvage their season, a healthy and dominant Strider will be key.
Meanwhile, the Rockies dropped to 13-57—the worst record in Major League Baseball through 70 games.
The Braves and Rockies are set to meet again on Sunday afternoon. Colorado will send lefty Austin Gomber to the mound, while the Braves will counter with reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET.
