Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. taunts Marlins on social media after Game 1 plunking

Dan Bernstein

Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. taunts Marlins on social media after Game 1 plunking image

Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has maintained a pattern when playing the Marlins since entering MLB in 2018:

He launches long home runs and celebrates. Miami pitchers get mad and throw at him.

Acuna's Game 1 NLDS long ball against the Marlins on Tuesday marked his 18th against Miami in just 45 career games — a 162-game pace of 65 dingers. His ensuing hit-by-pitch, which led to on-field jawing, was the fifth plunking he has received from Miami.

So, Acuna took a social media victory lap after Atlanta beat Miami 9-5 in Game 1. Teammate Ozzie Albies also got in on the action.

"They have to hit me, because they don’t get me out," Acuna wrote.

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Below is the home run and subtle bat flip that upset the Marlins.

And here's the beaning:

Acuna responded to the incident on Instagram as well, writing, "I’d like to take this time to apologize to absolutely NOBODY." That, of course, is a reference to Irish UFC fighter Connor McGregor, who once shouted those words following a victory in the Octagon.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

‘’I’d like to take this time to apologize to absolutely NOBODY

A post shared by EL ABUSADOR🌋🌋 (@ronaldacunajr13) on

The Braves have not advanced past the NLDS since 2001, despite making eight appearances.

Behind Acuna, Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna, they have an opportunity to end that spell with a series victory over the Marlins.

Dan Bernstein