Rookie Strider breaks Braves record with 16 Ks vs. Rockies

Move over John Smoltz, the mustache is taking over.

Spencer Strider set a new Atlanta Braves record for strikeouts in a single game, recording 16 Ks over eight innings Thursday against the Colorado Rockies.

Smoltz previously held the Atlanta-era record with 15, which the Hall of Famer accomplished on two occasions - 1992 against the Montreal Expos and 2005 against the New York Mets.

Strider's milestone is now the franchise record for a nine-inning game. Warren Spahn struck out 18 over 15 innings during a start for the Milwaukee Braves in 1952.

"I lost track after five (innings)," Strider said, according to The Associated Press' Charles Odum. "I came out of the game, and Kyle (Wright) was telling me something about John Smoltz or whatever. It didn't make any sense."

The rookie eventually understood and discussed the gravity of the achievement.

"It's pretty wild, the guys who've thrown in this organization, it's a long, incredible list. I'm just grateful to be here and having success."

The record-breaking strikeout against Sean Bouchard put the finishing touches on a dominant outing by the rookie right-hander. Flirting with a perfect game through four innings, Strider allowed two hits with no walks over eight shutout frames on 106 pitches.

Atlanta summoned Kenley Jansen from the bullpen to record the save in the ninth, finishing off the 3-0 victory in a clean frame.