Spencer Strider is off to an impressive start to his young career. The 24-year-old was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 4th round of the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft after recovering from Tommy John surgery and made his major league debut with the team on October 1, 2021 – he was 22 years old.
Strider only appeared in two games during the 2021 season, but became a full-time starter in the 2022 season – where he played in 31 games and had 20 starts. He finished the campaign with an 11-5 record, 2.67 ERA, and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings pitched. He placed second in Rookie of the Year voting.
It was during that season that he emerged as a rising star in the MLB. He had a career-high 16 strikeouts in 8.0 innings pitched on September 1, 2022 and had at least 10 strikeouts in five other games. He also did a great job of limiting runs and only allowed more than two earned runs in 5 of his 31 games played.
Spencer Strider Leads the MLB in Strikeouts This Season
At the start of his 2023 campaign, many people were wondering if Spencer Strider could improve on what was an impressive rookie year. With the season winding down, it’s safe to say he did exactly that – and in a big way, too. In 30 starts, he has an 18-5 record, 3.73 ERA, and 270 strikeouts in 176.0 innings pitched.
He currently leads the entire MLB in both wins (18) and strikeouts (259). For reference, only four other pitchers in the MLB have at least 15 wins and only eight other pitchers have at least 200 strikeouts this season. In fact, he has 43 more strikeouts than the next-closest pitcher – Blake Snell at 227 strikeouts.
Spencer Strider has been a nightmare for opposing batters and has finished with at least nine strikeouts in 22 of his 30 starts – including 11 games with at least 10 strikeouts. For reference, the all-time record is 26 games with at least nine strikeouts (Nolan Ryan in 1973) – just four more than Strider this season.
To commemorate the impressive season Spencer Strider is having, let’s take a look back at all 22 of his games with at least nine strikeouts – there’s a lot to cover!
1. 9 Strikeouts vs. Nationals (April 1)
On April 1, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 7-1 to improve their record to 2-0 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched while allowing 0 earned runs in what was his first start of his 2023 campaign. He allowed three hits and threw three walks in the game.
Strider faced 23 batters and threw 96 pitches – 63 of which were strikes (38 by contact, 16 by swinging, and 14 by looking). He got some help on the offensive side of things with Ronald Acuna Jr. and Marcell Ozuna hitting a home run – Matt Olson hit two home runs and led the team with three runs batted in.
2. 9 Strikeouts vs. Padres (April 6)
On April 6, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres 7-6 to improve their record to 6-1 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched while allowing three earned runs in his second start of the season. He allowed four hits and threw three walks, but didn’t earn the victory.
Strider faced 22 batters and threw 101 pitches – 63 of which were strikes (25 by contact, 17 by swinging, and 21 by looking). Orlando Arcia hit his second home run of the season and hit a walk-off RBI single to center field in the bottom of the ninth to give the Braves a win, while Matt Olson had two runs batted in.
3. 9 Strikeouts vs. Reds (April 12)
On April 12, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 to improve their record to 9-4 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched while allowing three earned runs in his third start of the season. He allowed four hits and threw two walks, but didn’t earn the victory.
Strider faced 21 batters and threw 98 pitches – 73 of which were strikes (35 by contact, 23 by swinging, and 15 by looking). Eddie Rosario hit a home run in the 8th inning to give his team the 5-4 lead, while Ronald Acuna Jr. had an impressive outing – he went 3 of 4 with three RBIs and one stolen base.
4. 9 Strikeouts vs. Padres (April 18)
On April 18, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres 8-1 to improve their record to 14-4 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched while allowing 0 earned runs in his fourth start of the season. He allowed just one hit and threw three walks, bringing his record to 2-0.
Strider faced 22 batters and threw 98 pitches – 63 of which were strikes (27 by contact, 16 by swinging, and 20 by looking). Sean Murphy hit his fourth home run of the season, Ozzie Albies hit his fourth home run of the season, and Matt Olson hit his sixth home run of the season. Olson and Albies each had 3 RBIs.
5. 13 Strikeouts vs. Marlins (April 24)
On April 24, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 11-0 to improve their record to 15-8 on the season. Spencer Strider threw a season-high 13 strikeouts in 8.0 innings pitched and allowed 0 earned runs in his fifth start. He allowed just two hits and threw 0 walks, bringing his season record to 3-0.
Strider faced 27 batters and threw 101 pitches – 81 of which were strikes (35 by contact, 30 by swinging, and 16 by looking). Sean Murphy hit his sixth home run of the season, Sam Hillard hit two home runs, Eddie Rosario hit his second home run of the year, and Austin Riley hit his fifth home run of the season.
6. 10 Strikeouts vs. Orioles (May 6)
On May 6, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 to improve their record to 23-11 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 10 strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched and allowed two earned runs in his seventh start of the year. He allowed four hits and threw 0 walks, but didn’t earn himself the victory.
Strider faced 19 batters and threw 95 pitches – 64 of which were strikes (33 by contact, 19 by swinging, and 12 by looking). Marcell Ozuna hit his sixth home run of the season and Kevin Pillar (who replaced Eddie Rosario in the 8th inning) hit his third home run of the season and led the team with two RBIs.
7. 12 Strikeouts vs. Blue Jays (May 12)
On May 12, 2023, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 0-3, bringing their record to 25-13 on the year. Spencer Strider threw 12 strikeouts in 6.2 innings and allowed one earned run (two runs total) in his eighth start. He allowed five hits and threw one walk, but suffered his first loss of the season.
Strider faced 26 batters and threw 110 pitches – 80 of which were strikes (31 by contact, 32 by swinging, and 17 by looking). His ERA improved to 2.51, but was record dropped to 4-1 on the season. He didn’t have much offensive help as his team only recorded two hits in the loss in 31 total plate appearances.
8. 11 Strikeouts vs. Dodgers (May 23)
On May 23, 2023, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-8, bringing their record to 29-19 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 11 strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed two earned runs (four runs total) in his 10th start. He allowed five hits and threw three walks, but suffered another loss.
Strider faced 27 batters and threw 104 strikes – 70 of which were strikes (35 by contact, 21 by swinging, and 14 by looking). His ERA dropped to 2.97 and his record worsened to 4-2 on the year. Ozzie Albies had two hits and Austin Riley had the team’s only RBI, but the Dodgers were the better team that night.
9. 9 Strikeouts vs. Phillies (May 28)
On May 28, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 11-4 to improve their record to 32-21 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed two earned runs in his 11th start. He allowed just two hits and threw just one walk en route to his fifth win.
Strider faced 21 batters and threw 102 pitches – 67 of which were strikes (31 by contact, 22 by swinging, and 14 by looking). His ERA stayed the same at 2.97, but his record improved to 5-2. Matt Olson had two home runs (his 15th and 16th of the season), while Austin Riley hit his 10th home run of the season.
10. 9 Strikeouts vs. Phillies (June 20)
On June 20, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 to improve their record to 47-26 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed one earned run in his 15th start. He allowed eight hits and threw 0 walks to earn his eighth win of the year.
Strider faced 25 batters and threw 103 pitches – 72 of which were strikes (41 by contact, 19 by swinging, and 12 by looking). His ERA was now sitting at 3.93 and his record improved to 8-2. Austin Riley hit his 12th home run of the year and Matt Olson hit his 21st of the year, while Ronald Acuna Jr. had two hits.
11. 10 Strikeouts vs. Twins (June 26)
On June 26, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-1 to improve their record to 51-27 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 10 strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched and allowed one earned run in his 16th start of the year. He allowed just three hits and threw two walks to earn his ninth win of the year.
Strider faced 26 batters and threw 100 pitches – 65 of which were strikes (27 by contact, 22 by swinging, and 16 by looking). His ERA improved to 3.73 and his record improved to 9-2 on the season. Marcell Ozuna hit his 16th home run of the season, while Ronald Acuna Jr. hit his 17th home run of the year.
12. 9 Strikeouts vs. Marlins (July 2)
On July 2, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 to improve their record to 56-27 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched and allowed two earned runs (three runs total) in his 17th start. He allowed six hits and threw one walk to earn his 10th win of the year.
Strider faced 27 batters and threw 109 pitches – 71 of which were strikes (40 by contact, 19 by swinging, and 12 by looking). His ERA improved to 3.66 and his record improved to 10-2. Orlando Arcia hit his seventh home run, Ozzie Albies hit his 20th home run, and Travis d’Arnaud hit his seventh home run.
13. 11 Strikeouts vs. Rays (July 8)
On July 8, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 to improve their record to 60-28 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 11 strikeouts in 6.1 innings pitched and allowed 0 earned runs in his 18th start of the season. He allowed four hits and threw one walk en route to earning his 11th victory.
Strider faced 25 batters and threw 104 pitches – 72 of which were strikes (37 by contact, 18 by swinging, and 17 by looking). His ERA improved to 3.44 and his record improved to 11-2 on the season. Sean Murphy hit his 17th home run of the season and had three RBIs, while Ronald Acuna Jr. had two hits.
14. 10 Strikeouts vs. White Sox (July 15)
On July 15, 2023, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Chicago White Sox 5-6, bringing their record to 61-30 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 10 strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed five earned runs in his 19th start of the season. He allowed eight hits and thew 0 walks, but suffered his third loss of the year.
Strider faced 25 batters and threw 97 pitches – 72 of which were strikes (37 by contact, 23 by swinging, and 12 by looking). His ERA increased to 3.66 and his record dropped to 11-3 on the season. Eddie Rosario hit his 15th home run of the year, while Ronald Acuna Jr. finished the game with two homers.
15. 13 Strikeouts vs. Diamondbacks (July 20)
On July 20, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-5 to improve their record to 62-33 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 13 strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed four earned runs in his 20th start. He allowed four hits and threw one walk, but it wasn’t enough to earn himself a win.
Strider faced 24 batters and threw 100 pitches – 66 of which were strikes (33 by contact, 23 by swinging, and 10 by looking). His ERA increased to 3.78 and his record remained at 11-3. Orlando Arcia (9) and Austin Riley (20) each had a home run, while Matt Olson hit two homers to bring his season total to 32.
16. 10 Strikeouts vs. Red Sox (July 26)
On July 26, 2023, the Atlanta Braves lost to the Boston Red Sox 3-5, bringing their record to 64-36 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 10 strikeouts in 6.1 innings pitched and allowed two earned runs (three runs total) in his 21st start. He allowed six hits and threw one walk, but it wasn’t enough to earn the win.
Strider faced 26 batters and threw 91 pitches – 64 of which were strikes (31 by contact, 14 by swinging, and 19 by looking). His ERA dropped to 3.73 and his record remained at 11-3 on the year. Ozzie Albies led the offense with two hits and all three of the team’s RBIs thanks to his 24th home run of the season.
17. 9 Strikeouts vs. Angels (August 1)
On August 1, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-1 to improve their record to 68-37 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched and allowed one earned run in his 22nd start. He allowed five hits and threw two walks, earning his 12th win of the year.
Strider faced 27 batters and threw 110 pitches – 74 of which were strikes (35 by contact, 30 by swinging, and 9 by looking). His ERA dropped to 3.61 and his record improved to 12-3 on the season. Orlando Arcia and Michael Harris II combined for three hits (six plate appearances) and four runs batted in.
18. 10 Strikeouts vs. Giants (August 18)
On August 18, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-0 to improve their record to 79-42 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 10 strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched and allowed 0 earned runs in his 25th start. He allowed just one hit and threw just one walk en route to earning his 14th victory.
Strider faced 23 batters and threw 97 pitches – 65 of which were strikes (36 by contact, 15 by swinging, and 14 by looking). His ERA dropped to 3.57 and his record improved to 14-4 on the season. Michael Harris II had himself a day and finished the game 4 of 5 – including a double, triple, and stolen base.
19. 9 Strikeouts vs. Giants (August 25)
On August 25, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-1 to improve their record to 83-44 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched and allowed one earned run in his 26th start. He allowed three hits and threw one walk en route to earning his 15th win.
Strider faced 25 batters and threw 94 pitches – 67 of which were strikes (32 by contact, 24 by swinging, and 11 by looking). His ERA dropped to 3.46 and his record improved to 15-4 on the year. Michael Harris II had another great day at the plate and finished 3 of 4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a stolen base.
20. 9 Strikeouts vs. Dodgers (August 31)
On August 31, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 to improve their record to 88-45 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 6.0 innings pitched and allowed four earned runs in his 27th start. He allowed four hits and threw two walks, but still earned his 16th victory.
Strider faced 24 batters and threw 92 pitches – 61 of which were strikes (28 by contact, 17 by swinging, and 16 by looking). His ERA increased to 3.56, but his record improved to 16-4 on the year. Ronald Acuna Jr. led the team with three hits and four runs batted in – which included his 30th homer of the year.
21. 9 Strikeouts vs. Phillies (September 13)
On September 13, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 to improve their record to 96-50 on the season. Spencer Strider threw nine strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched and allowed one earned run in his 29th start. He allowed four hits and threw two walks, but earned his 17th win of the year.
Strider faced 27 batters and threw 110 pitches – 77 of which were strikes (42 by contact, 16 by swinging, and 19 by looking). His ERA increased to 3.73, but his record improved to 17-5 on the year. Ronald Acuna Jr. led the team with three hits, while Austin Riley led the team with 3 RBIs, including a homer.
22. 11 Strikeouts vs. Phillies (September 19)
On September 19, 2023, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-3 to improve their record to 97-54 on the season. Spencer Strider threw 11 strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched and allowed three earned runs in his 30th start. He allowed four hits and threw 0 walks en route to his 18th win of the year.
Strider threw 91 pitches – 68 of which were strikes – and his ERA remained at 3.73 by the end of the game. His record improved to 18-5 on the season, becoming the first pitcher to reach 18 wins in 2023. Ronald Acuna Jr. had two home runs, while Marcell Ozuna led the team with three runs batted in.
What’s Next for Spencer Strider?
Spencer Strider has only been in the major leagues for three seasons and has only been a full-time starter for two of those seasons, but he has already emerged as one of the best pitchers in the league. Through 62 games and 49 starts, he has a 29-10 record, 3.27 ERA, and 461 strikeouts in 303.0 innings.
While some people might think he deserves a Cy Young award for his impressive 2023 campaign, it’s very unlikely that he earns it – in fact, there are two (maybe three) others who have a better shot at winning it this year. Don’t worry, he’ll be one of the favorites to win it next year if he continues to shine.
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With that said, he already became the fastest pitcher in MLB history to throw 100 strikeouts in a single season (doing so in just 61.0 innings pitched) and the fastest player in MLB history to throw 200 strikeouts in a single season (doing so in just 123.1 innings pitched). Now that’s what I call dominance at its best.
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