Spencer Strider shoves in final spring training start, Braves beat Pirates 8-1

The Atlanta Braves got their offense from several sources including strong days at the plate from Austin Riley and Eddie Rosario. That was more than enough for Spencer Strider and the rest of the pitching staff to take it from there and win over the Pirates handily on Sunday.

Spencer Strider got the start for the Braves on Sunday and he was very solid. His four innings of work resulted in him giving up two hits and a walk while striking out four batters and zeroes in all of the important places. Suffice it to say that he looks ready to go to start the 2023 season.

The Braves would be the team to strike first in this one in the bottom of the first inning thanks to Austin Riley. His third home run of spring training would give the Braves an early 1-0 lead. It goes without saying that having Austin seeing the ball well coming out of spring training will probably pay big dividends for Atlanta.

In the third inning, Eddie Rosario would get in on the fun as he hit his first home run of the spring. Rosario's stat line this spring hasn't been the greatest, but that is deceiving in his case as he has been making some hard contact and played pretty well in the World Baseball Classic as well. At the very least, he HAS to be better than he was last year, right? RIGHT?!

Things were pretty quiet for a few innings after that, but the Braves threatened a big inning in the sixth with a couple of walks and a single from Austin Riley. With the bases loaded and no outs, Michael Harris II drew a walk to make it a 3-0 Atlanta lead and Ozzie Albies followed that up with a two-run single and just like that, the Braves had a five run lead. It could have been more as the Braves loaded the bases AGAIN, but Ehire Adrianza grounded into an inning-ending double play.

After that, the minor leaguers came into the game for the Braves and they would help add to the lead. After singles from Drew Lugbauer and Jacob Pearson in the seventh, a passed ball would score Lugbauer to make the Braves' lead 6-0. The bottom of the eighth would look promisng as well with the Braves having the bases loaded with one out. Drew Lugbauer would bring in one run with a single and a wild pitch would make it 8-0 Braves.

Upcoming Braves Schedule

Spring training is winding down and the Braves' second to last spring training game is Monday at 1:05 PM EST against the Boston Red Sox.