The Atlanta Braves celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday night as they secured their 100th victory of the season in a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. The team showcased their resilience and determination, splitting the series with an 8-5 win in the second game. This win was spearheaded by Spencer Strider, who earned his major-league-leading 19th win.
With their 100th win, the Braves achieved back-to-back 100-game seasons for the first time since 2002-03. Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed his awe at this accomplishment, stating, “It’s hard to do. I think it’s quite an accomplishment anytime you can win 100 games. A lot of things we’re doing are really hard.”
In the second game, Strider pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. Despite his overall solid performance, Strider acknowledged that there is room for improvement, saying, “I need to be better, and I have one more start to tune it up.” Strider fell just two strikeouts shy of John Smoltz’s 1996 single-season modern franchise record.
The Braves’ offense showcased their power with Kevin Pillar and Forrest Wall both hitting home runs. Orlando Arcia was also a key contributor, driving in three runs for the team. On the Nationals’ side, Luis García and Lane Thomas provided some highlight moments with their home runs.
After falling behind early in the game, the Braves quickly erased the deficit by capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Matt Olson and Arcia hit RBI doubles in the fourth inning, and Pillar’s drive to left allowed Arcia to score, tying the game. Wall’s two-run shot in the sixth gave the Braves a 6-3 lead, and Arcia sealed the victory with a two-run single in the seventh.
In the first game of the doubleheader, rookie Jackson Rutledge displayed his potential by earning his first major league victory. Rutledge pitched five innings, allowing only one run while combining with the bullpen to limit the Nationals to just six hits.
Rutledge’s impressive performance against a strong Nationals lineup left him feeling confident about his future, stating, “It just tells me that I belong here, that I can do it against one of the best records in baseball, one of the best lineups in baseball. That I’m able to have success, it gives me confidence going forward.”
Both teams showcased their pitching depth in the first game. Allan Winans, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett, delivered a solid performance, allowing only two runs over five innings. Kyle Wright, who has faced injuries this season, made his first relief appearance since 2019, allowing only one run in three innings.
The Nationals’ Jacob Young contributed with two RBIs, while Sean Murphy added a broken-bat home run in the ninth inning. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Braves’ well-rounded performance.
As the regular season reaches its conclusion, the Atlanta Braves can reflect on their remarkable achievements. With back-to-back 100-win seasons and talented rookies making their mark, the team has proven their ability to overcome challenges and compete at the highest level.
As the playoffs approach, the Braves can enter with confidence, knowing that they have the talent and determination necessary to succeed. The team’s resilience and commitment to excellence have undoubtedly set them apart as a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
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