A Battle of Resilience
Jurickson Profar showcased an unusual display of perseverance during the Opening Day contest as he repeatedly fended off two-strike pitches. His initial appearance began with a single that put pressure on the opposing Padres’ pitching staff. Despite striking out early in the second inning, Profar demonstrated his tenacity by fouling off three two-strike pitches before the eventual strikeout.
A Historic Display at the Plate
Profar’s persistence continued throughout the game. In the fourth inning, on a 2-2 count, he managed to foul off seven consecutive two-strike pitches before grounding out. Additional determined efforts in the sixth inning saw him fend off two more challenging pitches, though another strikeout eventually followed. Entering the top of the ninth, he again battled with four more two-strike fouls prior to being retired from the inning. Overall, his plate appearances forced the Padres to work through 37 pitches, with 15 of those being critical two-strike foul balls—a record last reached by another notable player in 2019 and subsequently surpassed in 2018 by yet another major leaguer.
A Season of Milestones and Recognition
Beyond this unique performance, Profar is a player who has steadily built an impressive resume. At 32, he earned his inaugural All-Star nod and secured a Silver Slugger award following a season that featured a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, an .839 OPS, and 3.6 WAR. His achievements convinced a prominent team to sign him to a three-year, $42 million contract once he entered free agency.
Looking Ahead
While the Braves fell short in overcoming a 7-4 deficit during the game, the efforts of Profar provided a glimpse into his enduring qualities at the plate. The competitive spirit he displayed promises to add excitement to the head-to-head series between the Braves and Padres, with the teams scheduled to face off again later in the week.
