Ronald Acuna Jr.’s feet shined. The Atlanta Braves achieved a turnaround.
Atlanta achieved a thrilling comeback win of 4-3 in the second game of the 2023 Major League National League Division Series (3 wins out of 5) held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on the 10th (Korean time). Atlanta, which suffered one loss, successfully counterattacked. The series has come full circle.
Atlanta achieved its best performance this season. They recorded 104 wins, 58 losses, and a winning percentage of 0.642, earning the most wins among all major league teams. However, the momentum seemed to have waned somewhat in the postseason. It was like that in the first game as well. Atlanta got 5 hits and 3 walks against Philadelphia, but was unable to score and fell to 0-3.
The batting line’s silence continued in the second game as well. They had a hard time attacking Philadelphia starting pitcher Jack Wheeler. We were unable to score until the 5th inning, and were down 0-4. However, the atmosphere changed when Acuna Jr. got on base.
In the 6th inning, Acuna Jr. walked and got on base with no runners on base and 2 outs. After a close six-pitch battle with Wheeler, he calmly earned a walk. And when Erja Alvis hit to right, he quickly took a step and settled on third base. At this time, the Philadelphia fielder’s broadcast play was not smooth. Shortstop Trey Turner was unable to catch the ball reliably and fumbled the ball. At this time, Acuna Jr., who was on third base, rushed home. We scored the chasing score.
When Acuna Jr. cleared the blockage, Atlanta’s batting lineup exploded. In the 7th inning, leadoff hitter Matt Olson reached base with a single and Marcell Osuna struck out, but Travis Dano hit Wheeler’s sweeper at 81.6 mph for a two-run shot to left. Atlanta trailed 3-4.레모나토토
And he turned the game around again with a home run in the 8th inning. At this time too, Acuna Jr. got on base and laid the foundation for a great comeback. After one out, Acuna Jr. advanced to first base with a ball hit by Hoffman. Then, taking advantage of Alvis’ ground ball to first base, Acuna Jr. reached second base and stole third base during Austin Riley’s at-bat. Acuna Jr. continued to shake his opponent with his quick feet, and Riley made a 5-4 comeback by hitting a left-hand two-run gun against Hoffman, who was distracted.
On this day, Acuna Jr. did not hit a hit, but led Atlanta’s victory by going 2-for-2, with two outs and walks, two runs, and two stolen bases. His batting pace was somewhat off, but his quick feet and base running sense showed no slump.
Acuna Jr. recorded 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases in 159 games this year. He became the first player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases. Acuña Jr., who has written major league history, saved the team in crisis and is taking powerful steps toward winning the World Series.