The Atlanta Braves showcased their power on Saturday night at the Dodger Stadium.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s inspiring homer and Orlando Arcia’s game-changing blast led the Braves to a thrilling 10-inning victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With these extraordinary performances, the Braves not only secured a win but also inched a step closer towards obtaining home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
With a single swing of the bat, Ronald Acuña Jr. created a record, his third-inning solo shot reached a mind-boggling exit velocity that stands as the season’s highest.
While Acuña’s blast stole the spotlight, Orlando Arcia’s timely three-run home run proved pivotal in securing the Braves a 4-2, 10-inning win over the Dodgers on Saturday night.
“I’m super happy for the success he’s had this season and I feel like he’s made for big moments,” Acuña said.
“You never come in here thinking you’re going to win three, four or whatever,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You just take it one game at a time. This team is so relentless.”
However, during the third inning, Acuña launched a solo home run that soared over the center-field wall.
Well, this extraordinary hit registered a staggering 121.2 mph exit velocity, making it the third-hardest-hit homer and the sixth-hardest-hit ball since Statcast began tracking data in 2015.
At 121.2 MPH, Ronald Acuña Jr. now has the 3rd hardest-hit home run in the Statcast Era! 💪
(MLB x @GoogleCloud) pic.twitter.com/q6qKB3MhHe
— MLB (@MLB) September 3, 2023
“Oh my God, I was wondering if that was the hardest one ever hit,” Snitker said.
Acuña’s remarkable 454-foot home run left fans in amazement as it effortlessly soared beyond the center-field wall.
In a customary Braves celebration, Acuña dropped his bat and began flapping his arms, signifying the ball taking flight.
This ritual, known as “giving the ball wings,” is a fitting tribute to the explosive power displayed by the Braves’ hitters.
