The right-hander, Santana, struck out a career-high-tying 11 through six innings of one-run ball before leaving with a 2-1 lead. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
PHILADELPHIA — Lost in the Atlanta Braves’ home-run party in a wild 9-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday was the brilliance of starting pitcher Ervin Santana.
The right-hander struck out a career-high-tying 11 through six innings of one-run ball before leaving with a 2-1 lead.
Up to March 12, Santana could have been had, but the Braves snagged him and are reaping the rewards.
“We were just talking, we’re so glad he’s on our team,” second baseman Dan Uggla said. “He comes out and does his thing. Takes it very seriously and he was electric (Monday night).
“Everything was nasty. He’s awesome.”
Santana, a late signee of Atlanta (one-year, $14.1 million), has provided a jolt to the Braves’ injury-riddled rotation. In his debut with the Braves, Santana threw eight scoreless innings in 88 pitches, his first 20 of which he threw for strikes, setting a major-league record.
To start the season, Santana has permitted just one run through 14 innings (0.64) with 17 strikeouts to two walks.
Is he pitching with something to prove?
“I don’t have to prove anything,” Santana said. “Just be me because I know what I can do.”
