The long-awaited return of Spencer Strider is officially in the books after making his season debut on Wednesday as he pitched 5 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays and allowed five hits, including a solo home run to Vlad Guerrero Jr., two runs, one walk, and struck out five batters.
Following the game, which the Braves lost 3-1, Strider told reporters he believes he could have pitched better. Carl Dukes and Mike Bell shared their thoughts on why they believe the Braves All-Star pitcher’s first outing of the season does not deserve negative criticism, especially with what they considered a questionable strike zone.
“It was hideous,” 92-9 The Game Braves Insider Grant McAuley said as he joined Dukes and Bell and shared why he agreed the Strider debut was spoiled by an inconsistent strike zone by umpire Bill Miller. “It changes at-bats. Again, it’s not to make excuses, it’s just the flat-out reality of it. There’s a huge difference in being ahead 2-0 in the count and being 1-1."
“Does that completely explain why the Braves were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position today? No, but it was one of the many factors,” McAuley said, noting he believes the Braves offense did not help Strider out in his debut.