Sept. 28 (UPI) — Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. triumphantly held second base above his head, igniting the crowd’s cheer. In an astonishing feat of athleticism, Acuna became the first player in MLB history to achieve the remarkable combination of 70 stolen bases and 40 home runs in a single season.
Acuna sealed his 70th stolen base during the 10th inning of the thrilling 6-5 win against the Chicago Cubs in Atlanta. With this victory, the Braves also secured the top playoff seed in the National League at Truist Park.
“It appeared as an unreachable milestone, but we turned the impossible into a reality,” proclaimed the frontrunner for the National League MVP title in an interview with reporters. “I am grateful that we were able to achieve this historic feat.”
In the bottom of the 10th inning, with the Braves trailing 5-4, Kevin Pillar started the rally on second base. Orland Arcia grounded out in the first at-bat, setting the stage for Acuna’s heroic appearance at the plate.
Acuna bravely confronted a 1-2 slider, powerfully driving the ball to right field for a game-tying single. Ozzie Albies then stepped into the batter’s box for the third exchange of the final inning.
As relief pitcher Daniel Palencia delivered the first pitch, Acuna made an explosive dash towards second base. Swiftly tapping the base with his left hand, he slid safely into the bag. Displaying his triumph, Acuna pulled the base out of the infield earth and triumphantly raised it with his right hand before handing it to a Braves staff member, who carried it into the dugout.
Acuna swiftly crossed home plate on the very next pitch, as Albies smashed a powerful hit to right field for an RBI single, securing the game-winning run.
Throughout the victory, Acuna displayed astonishing performance, going 2 for 5 with two runs scored, two stolen bases, and an RBI. He currently boasts a .336 batting average, with 41 home runs, 104 RBIs, and the highest number of steals in the league. Acuna also leads MLB with a .414 on-base percentage, 378 total bases, 213 hits, and 146 runs scored.
In the history of MLB, only Barry Bonds and Eric Davis have achieved the milestone of recording at least 30 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Bonds hit 33 homers and recorded 52 steals in 1990 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Davis recorded 37 homers and 50 steals in 1987 for the Cincinnati Reds.
Bonds, Alfonso Soriano, Alex Rodriguez, and Jose Canseco are the only other MLB players to achieve the incredible combination of 40 home runs and 40 steals in the same season.
In Wednesday’s victory, Albies also displayed impressive performance, going 2 for 5 with a home run and two runs scored. Designated hitter Marcel Ozuna contributed to the win, going 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Braves starter Darius Vines allowed four hits and three runs over six innings, but did not record a decision.
The Braves (102-56) will face off against the Cubs (82-76) in the series finale at 7:20 p.m. EDT Thursday at Truist Park.
