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.
😬🤫🤫
— OzzieAlbies (@ozzie) October 6, 2020
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Below is the home run and subtle bat flip that upset the Marlins.
Rip it and flip it.@ronaldacunajr24 | #MixItUp pic.twitter.com/bQweUeZR3j
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 6, 2020
And here's the beaning:
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 6, 2020
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.
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.