SE Atlanta News

ATLANTA -- Charlie Morton is not an All-Star nor a Cy Young Award candidate. However, his consistent performance in the Braves' rotation could contribute to another World Series title for the team, potentially marking his third championship in eight years.

Morton pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, supported by Austin Riley's home run, as the Braves defeated the Pirates 6-1 at Truist Park on Friday night. The 40-year-old pitcher secured his first career win against his former team and has now beaten every MLB team.

"That's incredible," said Braves catcher Sean Murphy. "I don't know how many guys have done that, but the list is probably pretty short."

Morton is the 22nd pitcher to achieve this feat since the addition of the D-backs and Rays in 1998. Other active pitchers who have beaten all 30 teams include Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, and Justin Verlander.

"It's special," Morton remarked, acknowledging he was informed last year that Pittsburgh was the only team he had not yet defeated.

Morton debuted for Atlanta in 2008 and was traded to Pittsburgh in 2009. He made 142 of his career's 367 starts for the Pirates. Friday marked just his second start against them and possibly his last if he retires at season’s end.

Jesse Chavez, another veteran who debuted with Pittsburgh in 2008, contributed significantly by pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Morton. Chavez boasts a remarkable 1.32 ERA over 34 innings this season.

"He threw the heck out of the ball tonight," Morton said while wearing a T-shirt featuring Chavez's image.

Atlanta had faced challenges earlier in the week, losing two games to St. Louis and a makeup game against Chicago’s White Sox. Riley’s home run in the second inning helped change momentum, while Marcell Ozuna’s bases-clearing double during a five-run fifth inning extended their lead.

Morton allowed only three hits during his outing. This marks his third time this season pitching six or more scoreless innings. Only Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Phil Niekro have achieved this more frequently for Atlanta at age 40 or older.

"You can’t put a price on those innings," Murphy stated. "You kind of know what you’re going to get out of Chuck."

Despite not being among elite pitchers like Reynaldo López or Chris Sale, Morton's contributions have justified Atlanta picking up his $20 million option for this season. His ability to pitch into later innings has been crucial given Spencer Strider's injury and efforts to rest other key pitchers like Sale and López.

After nearly ending his career post-2015 when released by Pittsburgh, Morton won World Series titles with Houston (2017) and Atlanta (2021). At age 40, he continues to earn respect from teammates and management alike.

"It’s almost like, 'What are we going to do without him?'" said Braves manager Brian Snitker. "It’s hard to replace Charlie."