The Braves Snap Drought with 8th Consecutive Win
Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs on Thursday night, including a crucial two-run shot that bounced off the gloves of Miami Marlins outfielders Esteury Ruiz and Heriberto Hernández in the third inning.
The Braves went on to win the game 11-3, completing a three-game sweep of the Marlins. Acuña's two-run homer was a key moment in the game, and it helped Atlanta secure its eighth consecutive win.
Acuña also homered in the eighth inning, a solo shot that flew only 337 feet but found its way into the field-level seats. "The second was special," Acuña said, according to The Athletic. "Because the first one looked like I needed help. The second one I didn’t need help with."
The Braves' win was their eighth in a row, and it sets them up nicely for the next part of their schedule. They will now head to New York to face the Yankees, who are currently in second place in the AL East.
Atlanta has a firm lead in the NL East, with an 8.5 game advantage over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies. Acuña's resurgence has been a welcome sight for the Braves, who were concerned about his injury and hitting struggles earlier in the season.
The 2023 NL MVP has been dealing with hamstring issues, which forced him to miss significant time this summer. However, he's now back at the top of the lineup and swinging like his old self. "It’s good to have him back at the top of the lineup swinging like this," Braves first baseman Matt Olson said, per MLB.com.
Acuña's four home runs in his past 28 at-bats have boosted his season total to 11 long balls. He's finding a charge in his swing, and it's a big boost for the Braves as they head into the second half of the season.
The Braves will now face the Yankees in a highly anticipated series. The two teams are expected to put on a show, with the Braves looking to continue their winning streak and the Yankees seeking to make a statement in the AL East.
Source: Yahoo Sports