At long last, Braves fans saw Ronald Acuna at SunTrust Park.
Baseball’s No. 1 prospect made his home debut Friday against the Giants, 34 at-bats into his major league career.
Acuna went 0-for-4. The lone noteworthy at-bat came in the first inning, when he deep out to centerfield allowed Ozzie Albies to advance to third base. Albies scored on Freddie Freeman’s home run.
“I’m extremely emotional, excited,” Acuna said through team interpreter Franco Garcia before the game. “Since I was called up, I’ve been looking forward to making this home debut. I’m not sure what the reaction’s going to be like. I’m just as excited if not more excited than the fans.”
He received a loud applause from the crowd during player introductions, as well as heavy cheers as he stepped into the batter’s box for the first time.
Acuna joined the Braves’ outfield April 25 in Cincinnati. He hit .382 with a 1.138 OPS in eight games entering Friday, while adding two homers, five doubles and five RBIs.
The Braves are 7-2 since the highly anticipation promotion of their 20-year-old top prospect.
“It’s been incredible,” he said. “It’s an incredible team, and it’s been exciting. It’s been amazing experience. We’re going to work and it’s been great to be a part of it.”
