Atlanta Braves' Spencer Strider Makes Team History with Dominant Start vs. Twins

The Atlanta Braves beat the Minnesota Twins on Monday night as ace pitcher Spencer Strider dominated once again, striking out 10 over seven innings to make some prestigious franchise history.

In a battle of division leaders, the Atlanta Braves upended the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, 4-1.

Home runs from Marcell Ozuna and Ronald Acuna Jr. fueled the Braves victory from an offensive standpoint but the real story was Spencer Strider's work on the mound.

The right-hander went seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out 10 in moving to 9-2 on the season with a 3.73 ERA.

Also, with his continued strikeout prowess, he made some unique franchise history.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Spencer Strider is the 2nd Braves pitcher to record 140 strikeouts before the month of the July in the World Series Era (since 1903). 

He joins Hall of Famer John Smoltz in 1996 (145 strikeouts), who led the majors in strikeouts (276) and won the NL Cy Young Award that season.

Spencer Strider is the 2nd Braves pitcher to record 140 strikeouts before the month of the July in the World Series Era (since 1903).

He joins Hall of Famer John Smoltz in 1996 (145 strikeouts), who led the majors in strikeouts (276) and won the NL Cy Young Award that season. pic.twitter.com/rbnj3qGtdG

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 27, 2023

Strider is one of the elite pitchers in the game - and he's the best strikeout artist in the game. His 146 strikeouts this season lead baseball by a wide margin. Kevin Gausman is next with 127.

Strider's dominance this season is great on its own but it carries even more weight considering the Braves are down ace pitchers Kyle Wright and Max Fried. He's picked up the slack in their absence.

For his career, Strider is 21-7 with a 3.11 ERA. He's struck out 348 batters in 225.2 career innings.

The former fourth-round pick out of Clemson is also making a clear case to make the National League All-Star team next month in Seattle.

The Braves and Twins will play again on Tuesday at 7:20 p.m. ET.

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