ATLANTA — Ronald Acuña Jr. is the major reason the Braves have produced so many impressive first-inning statistics. But his MVP-caliber contributions extend far beyond the opening frame.
Acuña began his first four-hit performance of the season by tallying a pair of singles during a seven-run first that propelled the Braves to an 11-4 victory over the Phillies on Sunday night at Truist Park. The offensive eruption provided more than enough support to Spencer Strider, who reached 100 strikeouts in a season in fewer innings than any other starting pitcher in modern AL or NL history.
There were plenty of good developments as the Braves ended a 10-game homestand by securing a split in this four-game series. Matt Olson enjoyed his second multi-homer game of the season and Strider struck out seven of the last nine batters faced.
When Nick Castellanos went down looking to begin the fourth, Strider had 100 strikeouts through his first 61 innings. Jacob deGrom had previously set the record for starters when he tallied his 100th strikeout through the first 61 2/3 innings of his 2021 season.