UNITED STATES: The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 9-6, extending their lead over the Dodgers for the National League’s top slot to four games. Pitcher Charlie Morton left the game, and Ronald Acuna Jr. hit his 34th leadoff home run, becoming the first player to have at least 60 stolen bases and 40 home runs in a single season.
Acuna has set a record for most home runs and stealing bases in a single game. He joins Alphonso Soriano, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco in this feat. Manager Brian Snitker praised Acuna’s performance, stating it was an “elite company.”
He added a double and drove in three runs. Acuna has also had safe at-bats in 14 of his last 15 games, eight home runs, and 15 RBIs.
Austin Riley scored four runs in a game off Corbin, while Marcel Ozuna contributed three runs. Morton threw 24 pitches in the first inning before walking two batters and leaving due to a sore right index finger.
Morton will have an MRI on Saturday to prepare for the postseason. He believes his next start will likely be in the postseason, as there will be no game in late May or early August, which will be the biggest game of the season.
After pitching two innings and conceding one run, Michael Tonkin (7-2) was awarded the victory. His 30th save was made by Raisel Iglesias.
The Braves have placed RHP Darius Vines from Triple-A and LHP Max Fried on the 15-day injured list due to a left index finger blister. Snitker believes Fried can continue throwing and will be ready for the postseason. He hopes to recover before the Division Series and can throw more, as he was unable to make his next start.
Sean Doolittle, a left-handed closer for the Nationals Six, announced his retirement after finishing his eleventh season. Doolittle, who had a right knee injury in Florida, decided to abandon his rehabilitation during the season. Despite his sadness, Doolittle expressed gratitude for his good fortune.
The match on Saturday has been postponed. A split doubleheader will be played on Sunday between 1:35 p.m. and 6:35 p.m. Snitker did not specify the order in which RHP Kyle Wright and RHP Spencer Strider will pitch on Sunday.
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