Ronald Acuña Jr. once again proved why he’s one of baseball’s most electrifying talents, making a jaw-dropping throw from right field that ended a New York Yankees threat and highlighted the Atlanta Braves’ 7-3 victory on Friday night. The spectacular play left fans, commentators, and even opposing players in disbelief.
The moment came in the top of the third inning with the Braves holding a 3-0 lead. After consecutive walks to Jorbit Vivas and Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger hit a deep fly ball to the right-field corner. Acuña, with his back to the infield, tracked the ball just in front of the warning track. As Vivas tagged up from second, attempting to advance to third, Acuña spun and unleashed a missile that traveled on a line all the way to third base.
Third baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr. calmly received the pinpoint throw and applied the tag to a slowing, unsuspecting Vivas, who had failed to slide. Yankees manager Aaron Boone later admitted Vivas “got deked” by Alvarez’s casual body language, leading him to believe there wouldn’t be a throw.
“His accuracy is stupid,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Acuña’s arm. “He’s a weapon in right field. His arm is so strong and accurate, and the ball carries, release is good. He’s special out there.”
Acuña, through an interpreter, simply stated, “I just always try to anticipate those plays. That’s really what I always try to focus on, anticipating the play before it happens. I really wasn’t trying to do anything besides that. Thankfully, I have a good arm.”
The play, which turned into an inning-ending double play, was a crucial turning point, preserving Spencer Strider’s shutout through six innings. While Acuña also contributed with his bat, hitting a double and a triple, it was his defensive gem that stole the show and is already being hailed as a “Play of the Year” candidate.
The Braves’ win marked a strong start to the second half of their season after the All-Star break, with Ozzie Albies also contributing a three-run homer. However, it was Acuña’s “A-Cannon” that will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come.
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