Spencer Strider got his first start for the Atlanta Braves Monday against the Diamondbacks. We breakdown that outing.
Everyone’s favorite mustache got the start for the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Spencer Strider ended up taking the loss in only 4.1 innings pitched. He gave up five earned runs, four hits, and tallied seven strikeouts.
Although it was a bumpy start for Strider, there were some signs of brilliance.
The Atlanta Braves’ flamethrower started off the game red hot, striking out the first two batters he faced. At this point, Strider was one out away from starting the game with a perfect first inning.
Then Ketel Marte came up to bat and hit a dribbler between third base and the pitcher’s mound.
Strider and Austin Riley got mixed up on the play and allowed an infield hit.
The next batter hit a fly ball to shallow center field that Marcell Ozuna whiffed on allowing a double.
Now with runners at second and third, Pavin Smith came up to the plate and hit a three-run shot to open up the game.
Each of the plays leading up to Smith’s homer should have been outs.
Braves defense and unfortunate events overshadow Strider’s brilliance
Spencer Strider only allowed one baserunner to get on base for the next three innings, and it was a walk.
Strider continually got swings and misses and didn’t allow solid contact outside of the homer in the bottom of the first inning.
Spencer allowed two runners to get on base in the fifth inning and was then replaced by Dylan Lee.
Dylan Lee rolled a tailor-made double-play ball to end the inning, but Matt Olson dropped the ball at first allowing for another batter. Ketel Marte then hits a double, scoring two more runs, both of which Strider was held responsible for.
Overall this wasn’t a bad first start for Strider. He was constantly let down by his defense, but if you do not just focus on the stats, you can see that Strider deserves another start.