Spencer Strider is now the Atlanta Braves' single-season strikeout leader. The flame-throwing hurler surpassed Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz on Saturday, recording his 277th strikeout of the season against the Washington Nationals.

Video via Talkin' Baseball:

Braves: Spencer Strider breaks Smoltz's record

Strider is having a strong season. The right-hander is in the midst of an old-school campaign, recording plenty of strikeouts while posting a decent ERA. Heading into Saturday's affair, Strider led the league in strikeouts but had a 3.81 ERA. Still, he's played a pivotal role in Atlanta's success.

Additionally, Spencer Strider leads the league with 19 wins and a 2.87 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching).

John Smoltz is a legendary pitcher. He spent almost all of his career with the Braves, working as both a starter and reliever. Smoltz was no stranger to striking hitters out, recording 3,084 for his career. His career-high in a single-season was 276, which came in 1996. That mark also led the league.

However, it was surpassed by Strider on Saturday. Smoltz is surely proud of the young pitcher though. At just 24-years old, it is clear the Braves have an ace in their rotation who can pitch alongside Max Fried for years to come.

It will be interesting to see how Strider fares in the playoffs. He does tend to walk hitters at times, something that has gotten him in trouble in the past. The strikeouts are great, but he needs to limit baserunners in October.

Another thing that will be interesting to follow is whether or not Strider wins the NL Cy Young. He will need the voters to value wins and strikeouts and give him a pass on his fairly high ERA.

Cy Young or not, it's difficult to place anyone above Strider when he's on his game. If he can find more consistency next year, Strider will become a reliable superstar ace. That said, he's already a tremendous pitcher and will help the Braves as they push towards the World Series.