Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-1 in their return to action for right-hander Spencer Strider on Wednesday. Strider allowed two runs and five hits in five-plus innings, striking out five but walking one batter.
Blue Jays left-hander Chris Bassitt (2-0) pitched a dominant game, recording a season-high 10 strikeouts while allowing three hits. The Blue Jays set a franchise record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game with 19.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two of the five hits off Strider, including an RBI single and a solo home run. Strider felt he struggled with executing pitches under pressure, particularly his off-speed pitches.
Braves manager Brian Snitker praised Strider’s return, saying “He’s extremely important to our club… He’s got some moxie about him and competitiveness.” The Braves have struggled on the road, going 2-11 this season, but Strider’s return could provide a boost.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44701956/braves-spencer-strider-makes-first-start-april-2024