INJURY REPORT: Braves MVP leaves game in pain.
The Atlanta Braves secured a convincing 8-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, but the victory was overshadowed by the early exit of star player Ronald Acuña Jr. due to left knee soreness. Acuña, the reigning National League MVP, doubled to right-center field off Martín Pérez in the first inning but appeared to hurt his knee while attempting to steal third base.
Acuña was replaced by Jarred Kelenic, who went 3 for 4 in the game, and the Braves’ offense didn’t miss a beat. Chris Sale improved to 8-1 by allowing just four hits over seven innings, striking out eight and allowing one run. Matt Olson had a significant impact on the game, driving in three runs with a home run and a double.
“Chris Sale was fantastic today,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s been on a roll lately, and it’s great to see him pitching like this.”
The Pirates, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and errors. Martín Pérez left the game with a left groin injury, while Joey Bart was removed due to a left thumb injury. The team managed only five hits and committed two errors, leading to an 8-1 defeat.
“We didn’t play our best baseball today,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “We had some injuries, and it’s tough to overcome that.”
Despite Acuña’s early departure, the Braves’ offense was relentless, with Travis d’Arnaud and Adam Duvall also homering. The team finished with 14 hits, and their dominant performance secured their 32nd win of the season.
“Ronald is a huge part of our team, but we have depth and guys who can step up when needed,” Snitker said. “We’ll evaluate his injury and see how he’s feeling in the coming days.”
The Braves’ win marked their 10th in their last 12 games, and they continue to lead the National League East. The Pirates, on the other hand, have lost five of their last seven games and fall to 24-28 on the season.
As the Braves look to build on their momentum, they’ll be keeping a close eye on Acuña’s injury status. If he’s sidelined for an extended period, it could be a significant blow to their chances of repeating as NL champions. However, with a deep roster and players like Chris Sale and Matt Olson leading the way, the Braves are well-equipped to overcome any challenges that come their way.
