Braves rookie Spencer Strider sets record with 16 strikeouts

Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider set a franchise record with 16 strikeouts in the team’s 3-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday in just his 17th MLB start.

The new single-game franchise record surpassed the mark of 15 K’s, which was previously held by Baseball Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star John Smoltz.

“It’s pretty wild, the guys who’ve thrown in this organization, it’s a long, incredible list,” Strider said following the game. “I’m just grateful to be here and having success.”

Spencer Strider sets new Atlanta Braves franchise record with 16 K’s

Rookie Spencer Strider set a Braves franchise record, racking up 16 strikeouts and allowing just two hits over eight scoreless innings against the Rockies.

Drafted in the fourth round out of Clemson in 2020, Strider moved to the rotation for his first start on May 30 after spending most of April and May of this season shining in Atlanta’s bullpen.

Since then, his ascension to the top of MLB’s pitching ranks has been just as quick and unexpected as his trademark four-seam fastball (his specialty against lefties). The 23-year-old has been a pleasant surprise for the Braves, who have received underwhelming production from Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson this season.

“Strider has been devastatingly dominant, unbelievably untouchable, a crucial part of a Braves rotation,” FOX Sports MLB writer Jake Mintz wrote.

Strider finished Thursday’s game without walking a batter, making him just the fourth rookie in MLB history alongside Jon Gray (2016), Kerry Wood (1998) and Dwight Gooden (twice in 1984) with 16 strikeouts and no walks in a single game, per ESPN.

Thursday also marked Strider’s fifth career game with at least 10 strikeouts.

Strider has hurled 114.2 innings across 17 starts with a 2.67 ERA and 174 strikeouts this season.

He is certainly strengthening his case for NL Rookie of the Year with showings like this one.