Ronald Acuna Hit Twice in One Game and the Second One Sent Him to the Locker Room

Ronald Acuna Jr. took two pitches to the body Monday night in Washington, and after the second one connected, he was done. The Atlanta Braves' star left the game in the sixth inning after Nationals starter Jake Irvin drilled him for the second time, this one appearing to catch him square in the left hand. Acuna yelled in pain and didn't return.

Here's the sequence: Irvin's first fastball, a 92 mph heater, caught Acuna leading off the fourth inning when the Braves were trailing 2-0. Acuna stayed in the game. Then came the sixth, with Atlanta down 3-2 and no outs. Irvin threw a 91 mph fastball that found Acuna again. This time, the damage looked different. The pain was real. He left immediately.

The good news? X-rays came back clean. The Braves listed him as day to day, so it's not a long-term concern, at least not yet. Eli White took over in right field for the remainder of the game.

The situation got tense fast. Braves starter Bryce Elder responded by hitting Daylen Lile to open the bottom of the sixth, and umpires had seen enough. Warnings went out to both dugouts, sending a clear message that this wasn't going to escalate further.

Two hits in one game is rare. Two hits in one inning is a statement. Whether it was intentional or just some brutal luck, Acuna's exit left the Braves dealing with another injury scare during an already fragile stretch. At least the medical staff can breathe a little easier knowing nothing is broken.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.