Takeaways: Offense returns in Atlanta Braves win over Arizona

The Atlanta Braves lineup returned to form Saturday night in Arizona.

Author:
Zac Blackerby
Jun 4, 2023 12:56 AM EDT

The biggest storyline going into Saturday night's game was Spencer Strider but the return of Atlanta's offense is what got Braves fans excited.

Strider's first start was on May 30th last year in Arizona, almost exactly a year later, he added to his impressive 2023 campaign but Atlanta's offense popped in Arizona after a rough stint over the past week or so.

Strider picked up the win to improve to 6-2 on the season thanks to a 5-2 Braves win against Arizona.

Spencer Strider continues to be great

Jun 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves Starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports — Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Another start, another seven strikeouts for the ace. He's done that in all 12 starts this year. Strider leads all of baseball with 113 strikeouts over 69.2 innings pitched.

He leads Kevin Gausman who has 100 strikeouts and has thrown for 75.0 innings this season. They're the only two pitchers with 100 strikeouts or more in 2023.

Strider gave up three hits and two earned runs Saturday night.

With Max Fried and Kyle Wright still waiting to return from the IL, every start from Strider becomes more important. Atlanta got a great outing and a win out of this one Saturday night.

Austin Riley is the fifth Brave to hit 30 RBIs

Jun 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a sacrifice fly RBI against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports — Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Riley scored Ronald Acuña from third on a sacrifice fly Saturday night that gave him his 30th RBI of the season.

He is the fifth member of Atlanta's lineup to reach that milestone so far this season. This shows how special this lineup could be when everyone is on at the same time.

Here's where all of the members of Atlanta's 30 RBI club are:

Matt Olson - 42

Sean Murphy - 38

Ozzie Albies - 36

Ronald Acuña - 32

Austin Riley - 30

Eddie Rosario is the king of Arizona right now

Jun 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Eddie Rosario (8) slides into third base against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports — Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Rosario has been great in the series vs the Diamondbacks. After hitting two home runs Friday night, he answered by nailing a triple that would lead to a run and an RBI a few innings later. His five hits in the series have been a bright spot for what Atlanta needs to do on offense away from Truist Park.

What's next for the Atlanta Braves

Jun 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) slaps hands with Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (12) after scoring a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports — Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta and Arizona will battle for the series Sunday. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports Southeast and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.