Ronald Acuña Jr. ended the third inning of the Atlanta Braves’ 7-3 series-opening victory against the New York Yankees on Friday with a breathtaking defensive play, throwing out a runner at third base from the deep right-field corner.
The All-Star outfielder unleashed a 301-foot throw on the fly to cut down Jorbit Vivas, who was attempting to tag up from second base. The throw was the longest outfield assist in MLB this season and the first to travel over 300 feet without a bounce since Mookie Betts in July 2020. It also marked the longest throw to complete a double play since 2021.
“His accuracy is stupid,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “He’s a weapon in right field. His arm is so strong and accurate, and the ball carries, release is good. He’s special out there.”
The play developed after Acuña caught a fly ball near the warning track. He spun and fired a perfect strike to third baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr., who deceptively feigned a casual posture as the ball approached. The deke appeared to work, as Vivas slowed his advance and did not slide, ignoring a signal from his third-base coach.
“He got deked,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “That just can’t happen. The body language of Alvarez there just deked him. He knew it was a deep fly ball, so it caught up to him. It’s a lesson that that can’t happen on a baseball field.”
Acuña, speaking through an interpreter, credited his preparation for the highlight-reel out. “I just always try to anticipate those plays,” he said. “That’s really what I always try to focus on, anticipating the play before it happens. Thankfully, I have a good arm.”
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