Ronald Acuna seems eager to start the regular season.
The Braves lost to the Nationals 8-4 in West Palm Beach on Wednesday afternoon, but Acuna destroyed opposing pitching for the third consecutive day. The Braves’ phenom was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, including a double and a triple off Patrick Corbin. That comes after back-to-back days with a home run.
Ozzie Albies had two hits and a pair of RBIs himself. Dansby Swanson was 1-for-3 and scored twice. Johan Camargo was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, while Adam Duvall – competing for a spot on the bench – was 0-for-3 with a walk.
Kevin Gausman struggled, getting as many outs (two) as homers allowed (two). He walked Adam Eaton to start the day before Trea Turner and Juan Soto took him deep. Though he was delayed by a sore shoulder, Gausman is still expected to start sometime in the first week of the season.
But the main story is Acuna, who might be providing a preview of what’s to come. He’s reached base in his past nine plate appearances, including two homers, two doubles and a triple. He went 2-for-2, 3-for-3 and 3-for-3 in his past three games.
