Braves’ Record-Breaking Home Run Month Accompanied by Reduced Strikeouts
The Atlanta Braves had an impressive month of June, breaking the National League record for home runs in a calendar month with 61. But what made it even more encouraging for the Braves was the reduction in strikeouts that accompanied their powerful offense.
The Braves hit 14 more home runs than any other MLB team in June and posted an impressive .372 on-base percentage (OBP), which was 25 points higher than the next highest team. Additionally, the Braves had the lowest number of strikeouts in the majors for the month with 176.
Chipper Jones, former Braves slugger and current hitting consultant for the team, compared the Braves’ offense to that of the successful Astros teams from a few years ago. Jones noted that the Astros led the league in home runs while also having the fewest strikeouts, which he deemed a “lethal combination.”
The Braves’ offensive prowess was on full display in their series-opening 16-4 rout against the Marlins on the last day of June. They hit six home runs in that game and followed it up with consecutive home runs from Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies in the first inning of their game against the Marlins on July 1.
With their 7-0 win on July 1, the Braves extended their winning streak to seven games and improved their record to a league-best 55-27. They now hold an eight-game lead in the NL East over the second-place Marlins.
The Braves’ first-inning offense has been particularly impressive. They have scored more runs (87), recorded more hits (121), and hit more home runs in the first inning than any other MLB team all season. They are on pace to break the modern-era record for first-inning runs scored.
The Braves’ offensive success is attributed to their ability to make contact and limit strikeouts. They have reduced their chase rate of pitches outside the strike zone compared to last season, which has led to better at-bats and more consistent hitting.
The team’s improved offense has played a crucial role in their recent success, with the Braves winning 22 of their past 25 games. They are currently on pace for a franchise record 108 wins, surpassing the previous record of 106 wins set by the 1998 Braves.
Overall, the Braves’ combination of power hitting and reduced strikeouts has made them one of the most formidable offenses in baseball. Their impressive month of June has solidified their position as one of the top teams in the league.