The Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 8-1 late Tuesday night in the middle outing of a three-game set out in San Diego, CA. That allowed the Braves to take a 2-0 lead in the series and extend their latest winning streak to eight straight games.
The Braves jumped on the board in the top of the second inning on an RBI ground rule double by Kevin Pillar. They increased their lead to 2-0 with a solo home run by Sean Murphy in the fourth. Ozzie Albies added a three-run homer in the top of the eighth. The Padres nabbed their lone run of the night in the bottom of that inning on a fielder’s choice by Juan Soto which scored Trent Grisham. Matt Olson hit a three-run homer for the Braves during the top of the ninth.
Spencer Strider was the winning pitcher for Atlanta after giving up just one hit, walking three, and striking out nine through six scoreless innings. He has had least nine strikeouts in his last eight games to tie the franchise record set by John Smoltz in 1997. Blake Snell took the loss for San Diego.
The National League East-leading Braves are now 14-4 on the 2023 regular season. They will wrap up the series in San Diego (and a six-game road trip) this afternoon. First pitch is set for 4:10 pm at Petco Park. Listen on WLAQ 1410 AM or 96.9 FM; airtime is 2:55 pm.