The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals, 9-4, in Game 1 of what will be a four-game series at Nationals Park. The two teams will meet again for Game 2 on April 21.
In Game 1, Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was hit twice by pitches in the fourth and sixth innings. He would end up leaving the game in the bottom of the sixth. He later underwent X-rays that were revealed to be negative and was listed as day-to-day.
Acuña ended the game going 0-for-1 with one strikeout while scoring a run. Luckily for Atlanta, the Braves broke things open in the sixth, scoring five runs to take back the lead.
While the win was nice, adding to the Braves’ lead in the National League East at 16-7, the bigger concern was Acuña’s health.
Braves Get Encouraging Ronald Acuña Jr. Update
Hours before the 6:45 p.m. EST start time, the Braves announced their starting lineup against the Nationals on social media. Much to the delight of Braves fans, Acuña was slotted into his usual spot leading off.
Braves beat writer Mark Bowman confirmed as well: “Acuna is in tonight’s lineup.”
According to Bowman, Acuña actually left the game without speaking to reporters, which was a little concerning.
“But the sense seems to be he could play tomorrow,” Bowman wrote shortly after Game 1.
Braves manager Walt Weiss also sounded encouraged early on with Acuña’s status.
“Ronnie is OK,” Weiss said. “X-rays were negative. He’s going to be fine.”
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