Atlanta Braves Charlie Morton achieves rare feat, playoff X-Factor

Friday evening, the Atlanta Braves The Pittsburgh Pirates cruised to a 6-1 victory, with their 40-year-old veteran starter, Charlie Morton, leading the charge with his zero earned runs allowed and seven strikeouts in 6.1 innings pitched.

It was Morton’s fifth win this season, and in doing so he achieved a feat He has been surpassed by only 21 other pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He has beaten every team in Major League Baseball.

In his 4th season with the Braves, the New Jersey native finds a way to keep going even when things don’t always go his way – which is an inspiration to his teammates.

“You know what you want from Chuck. He’s going to show up and throw hard, fight for guys and get through these innings. It was a fun outing for him today. I like when Chuck does the work, it’s a fun game to call and catch. » » said Sean Murphy.

He will be essential to the team’s success for the remainder of the season.

The Braves need Morton through thick and thin at the end.

Although “Chuck” was sensitive to spit out races early In games, the 17-year veteran finds a way to endure and stay in games. An innings eater, something the Braves need down the stretch to keep their bullpen and others in their starting rotation healthy and effective. Morton has pitched at least five innings in 8/9 of his starts this season. More importantly, he is an irreplaceable asset to the team.

“We always bring him back because it’s almost like we’re wondering what we’re going to do without him. It is difficult to replace. » ” said Brian Snitker.

Additionally, he wants to make a difference for the Braves and has a unique connection to the organization, so he continues at age 40.

“The group there is just phenomenal. I’m not saying there aren’t good clubhouses. I’m just saying it’s become very difficult to think about going anywhere else. ” said Morton.

For Atlanta, when Morton is at his best, the team becomes much harder to beat and fun to watch.

Over time, the team will need him more than some fans and pundits realize — because his veteran ability to navigate tough starts is something that can’t be taught. Teaching that to the younger clubhouse staff could go a long way in October.