Braves prospect Hurston Waldrep shines in pro debut

An eight-strikeout day highlighted first-round pick Hurston Waldrep's professional debut.

After just one game as a professional, Atlanta's first round draft pick is already catching the eyes of many.

On Saturday, Hurston Waldrep made his debut with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets, getting the start in the first game of the team's doubleheader against the Columbia Fireflies.

While he was pulled after three innings, the former Florida Gator made the most of it as he struck out eight batters while allowing three hits, two runs (one earned) and one walk.

Hurston Waldrep came out firing in his pro debut 😤

The @Braves' first-rounder (24th overall) strikes out three in the first en route to eight K's in just three IP for the @GreenJackets: pic.twitter.com/tbbP2osaOw

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 5, 2023

According to the club's social media, his eight strikeouts are the fourth most by a GreenJacket this season.

Despite a first-inning double, Waldrep went on an early tear as he struck out five of the first seven batters he faced.

After Columbia scored a pair of runs, Waldrep ended his outing with a pair of strikeouts to end the third.

Fellow draftee and Braves' eighth-round selection Cory Wall picked up the win, pitching two no-hit innings in the fourth and fifth. The former William and Mary pitcher allowed just one walk and two strikeouts in the win.

In his 50 pitches thrown, Waldrep threw 33 strikes as he went through 13 batters in three innings. He averaged a ridiculous 46.0% CSW (Called Strikes + Whiffs - MLB average is 28%) and had a 32% SwStr percentage. 

His fastball also reached as high as 97 mph in his two-strikeout first inning as he also showcased his impressive slider and changeup in the win.

While Waldrep's strikeout abilities at the collegiate level were what helped propel him up draft boards, his eight strikeouts in a professional setting should be an encouraging sign of what's to come for the 21-year-old pitcher.

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