By: Mike Guerriere
The Atlanta Braves remained sharp last night as they took home a victory against the Colorado Rockies. A showcase of real athleticism was on full display last night throughout game one of the series in Colorado. Four runs scored in the seventh inning stretch making it 9-4, helped Atlanta mute all hopes of a Rockies comeback.
For the Braves, along with bringing in those runs, they also happened to hail two fans from the stands, putting Ronald Acuna Jr in an uncomfortable position that in this day and age, has become too common and dangerous for the game of baseball.
“I was a little scared at first but you know I think the fans were out there and asking for a picture” said Acuna hesitantly through an interpreter following the incident, “Security was able to get there so I think everythings ok, everyones ok”. After the on-field issue was resolved, Acuna showed signs of relief and was able to continue his All-Star play.
Proving to baseball fans all around the world why he is truly one of the games best. Last night marks the 4th time that an MLB player reached 20+ home runs and 60+ stolen bases with Ronald Acuna Jr being the 4th. He went 4-5 at the plate, tying career highs in hits (4), RBIs (5), HRs (29), and becoming the league leader in stolen bases with 61. Along with his career game he managed to bring in 2 runs. One on Austin Riley’s third inning homer and the second on Acuna’s own two-run homer in the 5th off Karl Kauffman (1-4).
Atlanta leading the MLB in slugging percentage with .501 and Colorado standing at 9th with a .401 percentage applies a lot of pressure on both bullpens to perform. The matchup on the mound tonight features the strong right arm of Matt Olson (13-10, 3.37 era, 1.38 WHIP, 157 Strikeouts) for Atlanta and the youthful Peter Lambert (3-4, 4.92 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 62 Strikeouts) for Colorado.
Atlanta heads into the game as the heavy favorites boasting an impressive 41-23 record on the road and 5-0 against the Rockies this season. You can hear game two of The Braves (85-45) vs The Rockies (49-82) series tonight beginning at 8:25 on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte.
