Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has faced scrutiny for his effort in the past, but took some poorly timed criticism in the first game of the team’s weekend set against the New York Yankees.
The Braves have built a comfortable lead atop the NL East this season, with Acuña turning in a fine season. But New York Yankees broadcaster Michael
The Kay still felt fit to criticize his hustle, with the call-out immediately backfiring on the legendary announcer.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Criticism Backfires Immediately
With the Braves leading 1-0 in the top of the eighth inning of Friday’s game against the Yankees, Acuña hit a slow bouncing ball down the third base line and hustled out of the box to first base. As he was running, Kay noted Acuña’s reputation for sometimes taking a lackadaisical approach to baserunning.
“Acuña, who sometimes jogs to first base,” Kay said.
But Acuña was fast enough to beat out the throw, reaching first base.
Kay’s criticism attracted some attention, with some sharing video of his call on social media.
The Yankees got the last laugh on Friday, tying the game with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and getting a walk-off win on a Ryan McMahon sacrifice fly in the 10th inning. The game was played after a long rain delay, ending late and robbing the Braves of a chance to pad their NL East lead after the Philadelphia Phillies lost.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Had Another Memorable Play This Week
Kay’s ill-timed shot at Acuña came after the Braves outfielders had one of the most memorable plays of this MLB season. As The Athletic’s Jesus Cano noted, Acuña hit a home run on a ball that fell short of the wall.
“Marlins center fielder Esteury Ruiz and left fielder Heriberto Hernández rushed to catch the ball, gloves high and outstretched. They collided on the warning track as the ball hit their gloves. It bounced up and into the crowd,” Cano wrote. “Just like that, a two-run homer.”
Acuña appeared baffled, then said after the game that he had never seen anything like that in his career.
âThat was unbelievable for me,â Acuña said. âBecause this was the first time that happened in the game when I was hitting. But thatâs good for me and the team.â
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