Acuña Jr. Shows His Power with Two Home Runs and Raises the Stakes for the All-Star Game
WEST SACRAMENTO – Ronald Acuña Jr. dispelled any doubts about his form for the All-Star Game with a stellar performance. The Venezuelan showed he was in top form with two home runs in the 9-2 victory over the Athletics, making it clear that he is ready for the T-Mobile Home Run Derby and to be a protagonist at home, Truist Park. “I’m super excited,” Acuña said after the game. “I can’t wait for those days to come.” The concern arose on Tuesday when Acuña was removed from the lineup due to lower back discomfort, but the uncertainty didn’t last long. On Wednesday, without pain, he demonstrated his ability: he hit a home run in the first inning, sending the ball over the left field with an exit velocity of 110 mph, driving a four-run offense.In the fourth episode, Acuña hit another home run, this time to the opposite field, even though Mitch Spence’s pitch was away from the center of the plate. According to Statcast, this was one of the most difficult pitches to hit that he has turned into a home run in his career. This was Acuña’s 14th multi-home run game, and the first since September 2023. In addition, it was his 37th home run as the leadoff hitter of the game, solidifying his position as one of the most dangerous starters in recent MLB history. Acuña came from a period of low offensive performance, with a .171 average and no extra-base hits in the last 15 games. However, his performance on Wednesday suggests that the difficult moment is behind him, just in time for the All-Star Game. In addition to Acuña, the Braves saw their offense reborn: Drake Baldwin hit a three-run homer in the first, Austin Riley added another two-run homer in the second, and Marcell Ozuna joined in with a solo home run in the sixth. With five home runs, Atlanta achieved its highest figure of the season in a single game.That was a home run in any stadium in the United States, at any time of day
Brian Snitker
Now, all eyes are on next Monday and Tuesday, when Acuña will seek to shine as a local in the Derby and the All-Star Game. If Wednesday’s event was a preview… the fireworks are just beginning.Whenever he [Acuña] is at 100%, you know something good is going to happen
Bryce Elder
