WATCH: Austin Riley EXPLODES for a 2-run homer against the New York Mets
The Atlanta Braves have now out-homered their opponents 18-1 in the first inning. The latest was a 2-run shot from Austin Riley against Justin Verlander.
He scored Ronald Acuña from second base as well.
Here's the highlight:
Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets Pitching Matchup for Thursday, June 8th
As we mentioned, the Braves are sending ace Spencer Strider to the mound. 6-2 with a 2.97 ERA, Strider has a MLB-leading 113 strikeouts in his 69.2 innings pitched, good for a 14.6 K/9 (which also leads MLB) and a NL-best 5.7 hits per nine innings. Strider's already faced the Mets six times in his young career (four starts), with a 3-1 record and 5.03 ERA. They twice tagged him for four earned runs last season, on May 1st in five innings (Braves win) and on August 7th in 2.2 innings in a Braves loss. Pete Alonso (5 RBIs) and Brandon Nimmo (1 RBI) have both taken Strider deep, while Francisco Lindor is batting .455 and Nimmo is batting .417 against him.
Opposing Atlanta is Justin Verlander. 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA, the veteran has faced Atlanta three times in the regular season (all with Detroit). Matt Olson is batting .238 against Verlander with two homeruns and four RBIs, while no other member of the Braves has more than one hit and only one, Eddie Rosario (1-20), has more than seven plate appearances.
How to Watch Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets on Thursday, June 8th
First pitch at 7:20 PM ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports South 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. And, as always, we'll have all your coverage right here on Braves Today.
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