Acuña hits 2 homers as Braves end 13-game losing streak in California with win over A's
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two home runs, including a towering blast to lead off Wednesday night's game against the Athletics, and the Atlanta Braves hit a season-high five homers in a 9-2 victory.
The Braves had lost 13 consecutive games in the state of California.
It was the 14th career multi-homer performance for Acuña, who opened the game with a shot to left field that went out of the Triple-A ballpark.
Acuña, who will compete in Monday's Home Run Derby in his home stadium, added another solo homer in the fourth inning to right field on a pitch well outside the strike zone.
Drake Baldwin hit a three-run homer for the Braves, Austin Riley had a two-run shot and Marcell Ozuna added a solo home run — all off A's starter Mitch Spence (2-5), who lasted six innings despite allowing nine hits and eight runs.
Braves right-hander Bryce Elder (3-6) gave up eight hits, allowed two earned runs and struck out seven batters in 6 2/3 innings for his first victory since May 4, a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had gone 0-5 with a 6.59 ERA over eight starts since then.
Baldwin's three-run, 431-foot homer to right-center field in the first inning gave the Braves a 4-0 lead.
In addition to ending their long California skid, the Braves were 0-11 in the Golden State this year. Their last victory in the state until now was 3-1 over the Los Angeles Angels last Aug. 18.
The teams wrap up their three-game series on Thursday. Braves RHP Spencer Strider (3-7, 3.93 ERA) is scheduled to face A's LHP JP Sears (7-7. 4.76). The teams split the first two games.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Series tied 1-1
Game Information
- Umpires:
- Home Plate Umpire - Edwin Moscoso
- First Base Umpire - Chris Guccione
- Second Base Umpire - Jonathan Parra
- Third Base Umpire - Chad Whitson
2025 National League East Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia | 54 | 39 | .581 | - | W1 |
New York | 53 | 39 | .576 | 0.5 | W1 |
Miami | 42 | 49 | .462 | 11 | L1 |
Atlanta | 40 | 51 | .440 | 13 | W1 |
Washington | 38 | 54 | .413 | 15.5 | W1 |
2025 American League West Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Houston | 55 | 38 | .591 | - | L3 |
Seattle | 48 | 44 | .522 | 6.5 | L2 |
Los Angeles | 45 | 47 | .489 | 9.5 | W1 |
Texas | 45 | 48 | .484 | 10 | L1 |
Athletics | 38 | 56 | .404 | 17.5 | L1 |