Yesterday, I talked about the Braves having the best rotation in all of baseball when healthy. Max Fried is back and looked better than ever in his first start since returning to the IL. Kyle Wright is also starting to pitch more like himself after rehabbing his shoulder all offseason. Charlie Morton hasn’t done anything outstanding, but he’s been the steady veteran presence we all expected to this point, and Bryce Elder has emerged as a fantastic option as the team’s fifth starter. Then, there is Spencer Strider, arguably the most dominant pitcher in the league, who looked the part again on Tuesday night against the Padres, tying yet another franchise record.
Strider went six innings, giving up just one hit and no runs while striking out nine in his fourth consecutive start to begin the year. Dating back to last season, he’s now struck out nine batters in eight straight games, tying John Smoltz for the most consecutive starts with at least nine punch outs.
https://twitter.com/BravesOnBally/status/1648531767635345409
Jesse Chavez relieved Strider in the seventh inning with the Braves up 2-0, and that would be all they needed, but that wasn’t enough for Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson, who added insult to injury with three-run homers in the 8th and 9th innings.
The 8-1 victory over the Padres extended the Braves win streak to an MLB-best eight straight games. They continue to pace the National League with a 14-4 record and are just one game behind the Rays for the best record in all of baseball. This is a team that doesn’t look like they have any weaknesses. Their lineup is explosive from top to bottom. The bullpen, which has been missing key pieces since Opening Day, has been lights out. And the rotation, led by Max Fried and Spencer Strider, just might be the best in all of baseball.
—
Photo: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.