Spencer Strider had himself a memorable night on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.
The Atlanta Braves sent the NL Rookie of the Year candidate to the mound in hopes of winning the rubber game of their three-game set with the Rockies.
They were able to do just that thanks to an outstanding performance from their rookie ace.
Strider struck out 16 batters in eight innings of work, leading Atlanta to a 3-0 victory.
In fact, it was only Strider’s 17th career start, and with his dominance last night, he joined a list of aces who have the most strikeouts through their first 17 starts since 1990.
Strider ranks third on that list with 137, behind Kerry Wood (156 in 1998) and Hideo Nomo (150 in 1995).
Most strikeouts in 1st 17 career starts (since at least 1901):
1998 Kerry Wood: 156
1995 Hideo Nomo: 150
2022 Spencer Strider: 137 https://t.co/bYJZlUQALa— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 2, 2022
Strider Joins Legendary Company
This is an elite list of pitchers who dominated through their first 17 starts and blew hitters away with their stuff.
Strider has been nothing short of a revelation this year for the Braves.
With his dominance last night, he strengthened his case to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
To be on a list with Wood and Nomo, two pitchers who were strikeout machines, is impressive.
Strider has burst onto the scene for the Braves and has helped strengthen their starting rotation which already consisted of Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Charlie Morton.
He’s 9-4 with a 2.67 ERA on the season and is only getting better.
He could potentially end up being the Braves’ Game 1 starter in the postseason if he continues his dominance.
Strider alone is somebody that no team wants to face right now.
With him and Fried back-to-back in the first round, facing the Braves will certainly be a tall order.
NEXT: Spencer Strider Is Rapidly Making History With The Braves