ATLANTA (AP) — A move toward simplicity served Spencer Strider well in his first home start.
The adjustment could help Strider keep his newfound place in the Atlanta Braves' rotation.
Strider outpitched Roansy Contreras in a matchup of hard-throwing rookies, Dansby Swanson had three hits, including a two-run homer, and the Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Friday night for their ninth straight win.
The winning streak is the National League's longest this season. Houston and the New York Yankees have had 11-game streaks.
The Pirates have lost four straight, matching their longest losing skid of the season.