Ronald Acuña Jr. Dazzles with Incredible Throw Against Yankees
Ronald Acuña Jr. had an outstanding performance against the New York Yankees, highlighted by one of the most impressive defensive plays of the season—possibly even the best. The moment unfolded when Yankees baserunner Jorbit Vivas attempted to tag up from second base on Cody Bellinger’s deep fly ball to the right field corner during the third inning.
Acuña was perfectly positioned to make a remarkable flat-footed throw to third baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr., catching Vivas off guard as well as the spectators at Truist Park, completing the exceptional play.
A Historic Throw
“That was like a Roberto Clemente throw,” Braves manager Brian Snitker commented on the sensational highlight, drawing a comparison to the legendary Pirates player known for his incredible arm strength. “His accuracy is ridiculous,” Snitker added. “He’s a weapon in right field. bso89 co His arm is incredibly strong and accurate, and the ball carries well with a great release. He’s just special out there. 22win ph”
This moment defined the Braves’ victory over the Yankees, with a score of 7-3, as both teams resumed their season after the All-Star break.
Acuña’s Insight
“I always try to anticipate those plays,” Acuña shared through a translator after the game. “I was just getting ready and thankfully, I have a good arm.” Alvarez remained relaxed as Acuña’s throw was on its way, attempting to deceive Vivas, who likely would have been safe had he run hard and slid.
At a staggering 301 feet—without any bounces—this throw marks the longest outfield assist this season and the first throw over 300 feet without bounces since Mookie Betts’ 302-foot throw to prevent Ketel Marte from turning a double into a triple on July 31, 2020. philpost tracker
Manager Insights
“[Vivas] got deked,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “That just can’t happen. I did that all through my career at third base—just kind of playing dumb or dead. That’s what [Vivas] was reading. The body language of Alvarez deceived him. 06jili He knew it was a deep fly ball, which is what allowed Acuña to make that throw.”
Spencer Strider (4-7) excelled on the mound, tossing six shutout innings, striking out eight, and allowing only three hits and three walks. Acuña finished the game 2 for 3, with a double and a triple. This performance marked Strider’s second time achieving six shutout innings this season, following a similar outing on June 14 against Colorado.
Ian Hamilton (1-1) received the loss, beginning the bullpen game for the Yankees and giving up three runs in the first inning. Rico Garcia, making his Yankees debut, allowed a three-run homer to Ozzie Albies in the third inning. Star player Aaron Judge was 1 for 4 with three strikeouts, just three days after appearing in his seventh All-Star Game played in the same stadium. Giancarlo Stanton contributed with a pinch-hit two-run double in the seventh inning.
Additionally, on the same day, Yankees right-hander Luis Gil made his second rehab start for Double-A Somerset, pitching 3 1/3 innings while allowing two hits and two runs as he recovers from a strained right lat sustained during spring training.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What are your thoughts on Acuña’s remarkable play against the Yankees ph367?
