Austin Riley surmounts another milestone versus Los Angeles Dodgers
Just over a month after hitting his 100th career homer on April 17, Austin Riley notched another career milestone on Monday night versus the Dodgers.
With his double in the fifth inning, he compiled 500 MLB hits in his 497th career game. It took him 1,847 at-bats to reach the feat, making him a .270 career hitter at age 26.
It was his 47th hit this season, as he surpassed Ozzie Albies to become second in hits on the Braves this season behind Ronald Acuña Jr. (64). It was also the 97th double of his career in his fifth season in the Big Leagues.
After Orlando Arcia surpassed 500 hits in April, Riley became the ninth Brave to reach the milestone. He is the third-youngest player to do so behind Acuña, who reached 500 hits last season at 24, and Albies, who reached it in 2021 at 24. Marcell Ozuna, 32, leads the team with 1,210 hits, the only Brave over 1,000 career knocks.
However, Riley is only the seventh Brave with 500 hits and 100 homers, along with Ozuna, Kevin Pillar, who hit his 100th career homer on May 6 of this season, Eddie Rosario, Albies, Matt Olson and Acuña.
Despite a relatively slow start to the season, Riley has been a consistent presence in the middle of the lineup. He is 7-for-24 with a homer, a double and just five strikeouts in his last six games. While he is only batting .256 this season, he has consistently churned out hard-fought at bats. He ranks third on the team in at bats (182), walks (24) and second in hits (47).
Just a few years ago, it was a debate whether Riley was the Braves third baseman of the future. Then, in 2021, he helped the team to a World Series. In 2022, he made his first All-Star game. As he continues to rack up career milestones, the debate now is how many are to come.
Other Stories from the Los Angeles Dodgers Series
Lineup, how to watch Atlanta's Tuesday night game two against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Takeaways: The Braves drop game one of their three-game set with the Dodgers
The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers have a LOT in common with each other
Report: Dodgers are calling up top pitching prospect Bobby Miller for Tuesday's start in Atlanta
PODCAST: Atlanta Braves vs Freddie Freeman; Ronald Acuña keeps shining
Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO