Sept. 1 (UPI) — Ronald Acuna Jr., the All-Star outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, achieved a historic milestone in Major League Baseball by becoming the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 60 bases in a single season. Acuna accomplished this feat with a grand slam in a thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In the game, Acuna went 3 for 4 with four RBIs, a walk, and a stolen base, contributing significantly to the Braves’ 8-7 win in Los Angeles.
“I feel privileged,” Acuna expressed his gratitude to reporters. “I thank God for allowing me to play the game I love every single day. It’s not just about me; it’s about my teammates and the fanbase. We all share this moment.”
Acuna’s impressive performance commenced with a leadoff single to center field in the first at-bat of the game. Despite the Dodger’s early 1-0 lead, the Braves quickly turned the tide in the second inning.
With a single by Marcell Ozuna, a hit-by-pitch on Braves catcher Sean Murphy, and a single by Orlando Arcia, the bases were loaded for Ronald Acuna Jr. Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn walked second baseman Nicky Lopez with the bases loaded, allowing the Braves to score their first run and giving Acuna the opportunity to come to the plate with the bases still full.
After fouling off a few pitches and watching a couple of balls, Acuna connected with a 2-2 fastball, sending it soaring 429 feet for a grand slam, extending the Braves’ lead to 5-1.
Austin Riley and Michael Harris II also contributed with solo home runs, further cementing the Braves’ dominance in the game.
Mookie Betts from the Dodgers, who is also a contender for the National League MVP award, hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth, narrowing the gap to 7-4. However, Harris responded with an RBI single, securing the Braves’ final run.
Both teams displayed an offensive showcase, with Betts hitting another solo blast and Max Muncy hitting multiple home runs. Despite the Dodgers’ late attempts to close the margin, the Braves held on for the victory.
With the win, Braves pitcher Spencer Strider earned his MLB-best 16th win of the season, while Lance Lynn took the loss for the Dodgers.
The Braves (88-45) and the Dodgers (83-50) will meet again in Los Angeles on Friday for another exciting match-up.
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