Hackenberg stacks up MiLB season-high 16 K's

Fresh off the All-Star break, Drue Hackenberg showed off his Sunday best.

The Braves' No. 9 prospect struck out 16 -- the most K's in any Minor League Baseball game this season -- over seven innings in Double-A Mississippi's 5-1 win over Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Hackenberg bested the previous season high of 15 set by Guardians prospect Matt Wilkinson on April 25 en route to setting the M-Braves' franchise record.

"I think I had a five-pitch mix today, and every single thing was working," Hackenberg said.

Hackenberg, whose previous career high was eight, fanned the first eight batters he faced against the Marlins affiliate. The righty retired the side in order in the first inning -- coming one strike shy of an immaculate frame -- before retiring the side again in the second.

"I've never really done that before in my career, being the sinker guy throughout college and whatnot," he said. "Usually I'm efficient, but a lot of ground balls, and that's kind of my game."

After those first two innings, Hackenberg thought his start might be something special. He rode the momentum and his stuff, trying to pocket thoughts of his strikeout total.

The 2023 second-round pick continued his whiff parade through the next five innings, fanning two in each of the next three frames before striking out the side again in the sixth to break the Mississippi record. He added his final punchout in the seventh.

Hackenberg topped the M-Braves' strikeout record of 14 previously held by Ian Anderson (June 28, 2019) and Tommy Hanson (June 25, 2008). The 22-year-old became the 21st Minor League pitcher since 2005 to record 16 or more strikeouts in a single game and the first since Matt Sauer, who totaled 17 for Double-A Somerset on Aug. 25, 2022.

"It's special just to be in that talk in general," said Hackenberg, who has met Anderson a few times.

The Virginia Tech product was able to limit baserunners in every inning but the third, as three singles accounted for the Blue Wahoos' lone run against him. He also didn’t issue a walk in his start for the third time this season.

Hackenberg generated 26 swings-and-misses -- the most by any Double-A pitcher and one shy of the most in affiliated baseball Sunday as Giants rookie Hayden Birdsong piled up 27.

After seven innings of one-run ball, Hackenberg exited after throwing 90 pitches, 67 for strikes. It marked the second time this season -- and in his career -- he reached 90 or more, but in a 1-1 game, the righty left his career-best outing without factoring into the decision.

"We're for everyone in our org," he said. "I think that's the great thing about it, whether I do well or somebody else does well, it's like we win."

📩 CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO BEN'S BIZ

Hackenberg comes from a genetically talented family, with all three of his brothers playing professional sports. Adam is a catcher in the White Sox organization, Christian was a quarterback taken by the Jets in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and Brandon was a first-round pick in the 2021 MLS Draft.

But now, Drue has something new to bring to the table in family competitions as the lone brother with 16 strikeouts in a professional baseball game.

"My success is their success," Hackenberg said. "They love it. They're all for me. It's the same vice versa for me."