Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider Joins Special Strikeout Club in Baseball History

Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider struck out nine batters over six innings on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. With those nine punchouts, he joined a very special club in baseball history.

At the time of this posting, the Atlanta Braves lead the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-1, in the top of the ninth inning.

If the Braves end up with the win, ace Spencer Strider will move to 8-2 on the year. Strider allowed one run on eight hits over six innings against the division rivals. He walked none and struck out nine en route to lowering his ERA to 3.93.

With the nine punchouts, Strider joined a very special club in baseball strikeout history.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Spencer Strider is the 2nd pitcher since 1901 to throw 300 strikeouts in his first 35 career starts, joining Dwight Gooden. Strider also has 37 strikeouts in relief appearances that are not included.

Spencer Strider is the 2nd pitcher since 1901 to throw 300 strikeouts in his first 35 career starts, joining Dwight Gooden.

Strider also has 37 strikeouts in relief appearances that are not included. pic.twitter.com/ZHEq0HSdd0

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 21, 2023

It's certainly been an impressive start to the career of Strider. He made his major league debut in 2021 and then won 11 games in 2022 as the Braves won the National League East.

For his career, he's 19-7 with a 3.17 ERA. He was a fourth-round pick by Braves in the 2020 draft out of Clemson.

As for Gooden? He played parts of 16 years with the Mets, Yankees, Astros, Rays and the Cleveland franchise.

He was 194-112 in his career with a 3.51 ERA. He won National League Rookie of the Year in 1984, won a Cy Young award, an ERA title and two World Series titles. He was also a four-time All-Star selection.

The Braves and Phillies will play again on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET. AJ Smith-Shawver will pitch for Atlanta against Aaron Nola.

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