The San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr., right, avoids a tag by Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Soroka to return to first after being caught between bases during the first inning of Sunday’s game in San Diego.
AP photo / Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, left, celebrates with right fielder Nick Markakis after the team beat the Padres 4-1 on July 14, 2019, in San Diego.SAN DIEGO – Atlanta Braves rookie Mike Soroka remains on a brilliant run on the mound, thanks in part to a mighty swing by veteran teammate Freddie Freeman.
The All-Star pitcher struck out a career-high nine batters to win his 10th straight decision, and Freeman hit a three-run homer to break a scoreless tie in the eighth inning Sunday as the Braves beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 for a three-game sweep to start the second half of the season.
The National League East Division leaders have won seven of their past eight games. They beat the Padres 5-3 on Friday and rallied for to win 7-5 in 10 innings Saturday.
Soroka (10-1) lost his season debut on April 18 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he has won each of his past 10 decisions beginning with an April 24 game against the Cincinnati Reds – a span of 15 starts.
The 21-year-old right-hander, who outpitched fellow Canadian Cal Quantrill, received high praise from Freeman and catcher Brian McCann, who is in his second stint with the Braves at age 35.