The Atlanta Braves' title defense campaign is well and truly underway this season. After hitting a few speedbumps to start the year, the team has roared to life with a 50-35 record. They now sit just 2.5 games behind the New York Mets for the top spot in the NL East.
A big part of their return to form is the emergence of two reliable bodies from the hitting and pitching crew. After an initial run at the Braves bullpen, Spencer Strider has emerged as one of the team's best rotation arms. The star-in-the-making recorded a ridiculous record after striking out the first nine batters he faced against the St. Louis Cardinals.
On the hitting side of things, Michael Harris II has been arguably one of the best rookies in the National League this season. The Braves outfielder came out of nowhere and filled the void left by World Series MVP Jorge Soler, who left the team in free agency.
Amid all this success, Harris and Strider talked about how they worked together to get to this level of play for the Braves, and the keys to their success. (Via Justin Toscano)
Harris: “I feel like we’re both just doing what we’ve been doing in the past, not try to do too much or let the moment get too big for us. I feel like the work and preparation that we’ve had the last couple seasons, I guess, is really paying off now. We’re just really going out there and doing what we know we can do, and helping the team win in any way.”
Strider: “I think a lot of it was just keeping track of: What were the takeaways from the success I had out of the ‘pen, and how does that translate into a starting role?”
The Braves have weathered the early-season storm they were struggling to quell. Now, behind their two surprise stars, they are ready to defend their title against anyone who dares stand in their way.
Follow Us
Subscribe