The Atlanta Braves have built their modern success on a foundation of elite pitching. From John Smoltz’s late-career brilliance to Max Fried’s World Series dominance and Spencer Strider’s record-setting strikeouts, the franchise has always had an ace ready to deliver when it mattered most.
Here are the ten greatest Braves pitching performances of the 21st century — dominance defined by precision, power, and postseason poise.
1. Max Fried — 2021 World Series Game 6 vs. Astros
Fried’s six shutout innings in Houston sealed Atlanta’s first championship since 1995. He out-dueled Luis Garcia with pinpoint command and erased the ghosts of October heartbreak.
6.0 IP • 4 H • 0 R • 6 K • 0 BB
It was the exclamation point on a postseason in which Fried showed he’s every bit a modern ace. This outing cemented his place in Braves lore as the pitcher who brought a title home.
2. John Smoltz — 2005 NLDS Game 2 vs. Astros
At 38, Smoltz turned back the clock with seven scoreless innings in a must-win Division Series game.
7.0 IP • 7 H • 0 R • 8 K • 1 BB
It was his final October start for Atlanta — vintage Smoltz, power and precision in perfect sync. For a generation that grew up watching the ‘90s aces, this was a reminder that Smoltz’s postseason fire never dimmed.
3. Spencer Strider — 16 Ks vs. Rockies (2022)
In his rookie year, Strider unleashed a historic performance at Truist Park: eight innings, two hits, 16 strikeouts — a franchise rookie record.
8.0 IP • 2 H • 0 R • 16 K • 0 BB
That outing announced a new era of Braves power pitching. It also hinted at what was to come — a future face of the rotation who could dominate a lineup with just two pitches.
4. Tim Hudson — Complete-Game Gem vs. Padres (2004)
Hudson’s first season in Atlanta included a masterpiece that confirmed why the Braves traded for him.
9.0 IP • 4 H • 0 R • 10 K • 1 BB
It was classic Hudson: heavy sinker, relentless pace, quiet dominance. His ability to command tempo and ground-ball contact made him the perfect successor to the dynasty-era rotation.
5. Craig Kimbrel — Rookie of the Year Season (2011)
Kimbrel’s 2011 season was one long highlight reel. He struck out 127 in 77 innings and saved 46 games to clinch NL Rookie of the Year.
46 SV • 1.04 WHIP • 127 K in 77 IP
His playoff-berth-clinching save against the Marlins remains one of the loudest moments Turner Field ever heard. It was the beginning of a dominant stretch that made Kimbrel one of baseball’s all-time great closers.
6. Mike Foltynewicz — 2-Hit Shutout vs. Nationals (2018)
Folty’s 11-strikeout masterpiece against Washington was his peak in a breakout All-Star season.
9.0 IP • 2 H • 0 R • 11 K • 1 BB
It symbolized the resurgence of Braves pitching during their first new-era division title run. For one night, everything — velocity, command, emotion — clicked in perfect harmony.
7. Jair Jurrjens — 8 Scoreless vs. Phillies (2009)
Facing the defending champions, Jurrjens delivered eight shutout innings with pinpoint control.
8.0 IP • 3 H • 0 R • 6 K • 2 BB
It was the highlight of his 14-win All-Star campaign and proof he could hang with the NL elite. Though injuries shortened his career, nights like this showed how talented he truly was.
8. Max Fried — Complete-Game Shutout vs. Mets (2023)
Two years after his World Series heroics, Fried dominated New York with an efficient 109-pitch shutout.
9.0 IP • 3 H • 0 R • 8 K • 0 BB
It reaffirmed his ace status after an injury-marred start to the season. Performances like this proved that even in the post-Smoltz era, Atlanta’s tradition of true No. 1 starters continues.
9. Spencer Strider — 13 Ks vs. Marlins (2023)
Strider followed up his rookie year with another gem — seven scoreless and 13 strikeouts versus Miami.
7.0 IP • 2 H • 0 R • 13 K • 1 BB
His consistency proved Atlanta’s future was still powered by dominant pitching. If Fried is the present, Strider is the embodiment of the Braves’ pitching future.
10. Julio Teheran — 6 Scoreless vs. Nationals (2016)
In a duel with Max Scherzer, Teheran shut out Washington for six innings with precision and command.
6.0 IP • 0 R • 7 K • 1 BB
It was one of the bright spots of his two-time All-Star tenure in Atlanta. For a rotation in transition, Teheran’s reliability helped bridge the gap to the team’s next wave of stars.
The Arms That Defined Braves Country
From Smoltz’s vintage postseason dominance to Strider’s radar-gun-melting brilliance, Braves pitchers have kept the franchise’s tradition alive in the 21st century.
Fried, Strider, and company carry on a legacy of excellence — proof that in Atlanta, the ace torch is never dropped, only passed forward.
