Braves flop in Philly for second straight season, 100 wins again not enough in NLDS exit

The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 3-1 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Spencer Strider could not watch Nick Castellanos’ second home run off him in Game 4. The 20-game winner simply accepted his fate — he gave the ball to Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker and awaited a reception almost as rude as the homers.

Strider put his head down and walked toward the dugout as 45,000 fired-up, towel-waving Phillies fans — that had heckled and derisively chanted his name since he warmed up — pointed fingers at the pitcher and gave him the business one more time.

Strider never broke stride, never looked up. If he had, Strider might have read the sign that read “Bye-Bye Strider.”