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Atlanta Braves Superstar Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. returned to the set-up for the first time after taking his ACL last season in the team’s 2-1 loss to San Diego Padres Friday night at Truist Park.
Acuna, 27, looked like he hadn’t skipped a blow. At the first pitch he saw from the San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta, 2023 NL MVP demolished it 467 meters for a ruted solo home.
Acuna said he “had a feeling”, he could possibly do something special in his return.
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Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Celebrates in Dugout after hitting a home drive in the first place of a baseball match against San Diego Padres, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
“For me, it’s just the culmination of all the work I put in,” he said.
Unfortunately for Braves, Acuna’s Solo Home Home was the lonely race they scored when Pivetta closed Braves’ violation afterwards.
Pivetta ended up beating six laps while spreading four hits and beating seven Braves’ meetings.
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Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Hits a home drive in the first place of a baseball match against San Diego Padres, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Padre’s third Baseman Manny Machado broke a 1-1-made in the ninth round with a solo home driving of Raisel Iglesias to give Padres a 2-1 lead they would not give up.
The loss falls to 24-26, which is still looking for rebound after a 0-7 start. The team hopes that Acuna’s return can help spur them back to the fight of the fall season.
“He’s one of those players that you better not get a beer or what because you might miss something really cool, you know?” Braves manager Brian Snitker said.
Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. responds after hit a home drive in the first place of a baseball match against San Diego Padres, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
“I mean, he’s the type of power, I think, in the game. I think he will give energy to everyone. Will give the fans energy. Will give energy to his teammates.”
“It’s huge,” said Third Baseman Austin Riley about Acuna’s return. “The talent is there. The energy he brings after Ronald up there at the top of the set -up. … he can change a game at any time.”
Braves and Padres play the second game in their three-game series on Saturday at. 16.10 et.
