Blue Jays pitchers break franchise strikeout record in win over Braves

Plenty of Atlanta Braves hitters took a dejected walk back to the visitors’ dugout on Wednesday in Toronto.

That’s because Blue Jays pitchers combined for 19 strikeouts — a nine-inning franchise record — in a 3-1 victory at home.

Starter Chris Bassitt started the punch-out party early, striking out the side in order in the first inning.

Through five innings, MLB’s ERA leader racked up 10 Ks before ceding the mound to four different relievers.

Lefty Brendon Little started his appearance like Bassitt as he struck out the side in his lone inning of work.

Nick Sandlin then recorded two outs, one of them via K, before Yimi Garcia entered and proceeded to strike out all four batters he faced.

Closer Jeff Hoffman picked up the save, striking out the final Braves batter to end the game in fitting fashion.

The Blue Jays’ combined 19 strikeouts were just one fewer than the nine-inning MLB record achieved seven times, most recently by the Houston Astros in 2022.

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