Braves Today

Takeaways: The Braves get the best of the Twins in a pitchers duel

Spencer Strider was dominant, leading to a 4-1 Braves victory.

Andrew Stefaniak

The Braves beat the Twins 4-1 behind a dominant start by Spencer Strider and a couple of seventh-inning blasts. 

This was an all-around good team win to take the series opener from the Twins. 

What can we take away from this 4-1 over Sonny Gray and the Twins? 

Spencer Strider is him

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Strider had an outstanding start for the Braves, going seven innings only allowing one run on three hits while striking out ten. Strider picks up his ninth win of the season, bringing his record on the season to 9-2. Strider makes his case stronger on a start-to-start basis for why he should win the National League Cy Young Award. Strider now has 11 career starts while ten or more strikeouts. 

Seventh inning homers were the difference

Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates a homer against Tigers during the third inning of the first game of the doubleheader at Comerica Park on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

It was a pitcher's duel throughout the game, as Sonny Gray and Strider were both pitching well. Then the Braves ran away after a solo shot from Marcell Ozuna, and a two-run bomb from Ronald Acuña Jr. ended up being the difference in this ball game. These balls were hit a long way by these two sluggers. Ozuna's homer went 408 feet and Acuña Jr's went 432 feet. The Braves don't win this game without these homers. 

Michael Harris II had a big game

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Harris II had a big game going 3-3 with two singles and a double. Harris was on base for Acuña Jr's two-run homer. Harris has been playing good ball of late, bringing his average to .260 with this three-hit game. Harris looks to be heating up at the right time for the Braves after a rough start to the season.  

What's Next? 

The Braves will go for the series against the Twins on Tuesday at 6:20 ct. Bryce Elder will get the ball for the Braves, and this game will be on TBS for all to enjoy. 

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Andrew Stefaniak
ANDREW STEFANIAK

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