Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves) has made major league history.
On April 4 (ET), Akuna went 1-for-4 with a home run, a run scored and a stolen base in the leadoff spot in the lineup against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
After singling to center field in his first at-bat of the game in the top of the first inning, Acuna singled in his second at-bat of the game in the top of the third. He then stole second, his 40th stolen base of the season.
Acuna made major league history by stealing 40 bases before the All-Star break. MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported, “Acuna stole a base in the third inning. He became the first player in American League and National League history to record 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.”
In all 84 games this season, Aquino is batting .335 with 21 homers, 54 RBIs, 77 runs scored, 40 doubles and a 1.012 OPS. “Other players to record 40 steals and double-digit home runs in their first 84 games are Rickey Henderson (1985, 1986, 1990), Eric Davis (1986) and Kenny Lofton (1994),” according to MLB.com. However, Acuna is the only player to hit more than 20 home runs.메이저놀이터
Acuna made his big league debut in 2018 and won the National League Rookie of the Year award after hitting .293 with 26 home runs, 64 RBIs, 78 runs scored and a .918 OPS. In 2019, he had a career-high season with 175 hits, 41 home runs, 37 doubles, 101 RBI, 127 runs scored, and a .280 OPS of .883.
Acuna is on pace for a career-high this season. He has the potential to become the first player in the majors to hit 30 home runs and steal 60 bases. He could also win his first MVP award.
Meanwhile, Acuna felt discomfort in his right shoulder after the stolen base, but after speaking with the medical staff, he continued to play. He came home on an RBI single by A.J. Albies, and expressed that he was fine in the dugout. Atlanta defeated Cleveland 4-2 to extend its winning streak to nine games.