The Braves, trailing by one in the eighth, saw their No. 1 prospect single, then dash from first to third, putting himself in position to score on Kurt Suzuki’s single.
Ronald Acuna’s baserunning tied the game for the Braves Wednesday night. They went on to win 5-4 over the Reds thanks to Johan Camargo’s game-winning RBI in the ninth.
Acuna went 1-for-5 with a run scored in his highly anticipated major-league debut.
Here’s the impression he made on his manager and team’s best player:
Manager Brian Snitker:
On Acuna’s night:
“Really good. Nothing seemed to affect him. He wasn’t overwhelmed by anything. He just went out and played his game. Was on the attack there. Hit a couple balls good. Got his first hit. I thought it was fine. That’s the impression I got of him, because people ask me where – (starting at) home or away – I don’t think that stuff’s going to bother him.”
On his impact running the bases:
“That’s going to be another weapon we have as a team. Having him out there. It’s going to be really good. He’s an elite defender and there’s no fear. On the base paths it’s going to be a big plus for us.
“It puts us in a position to score a run with making an out. And that’s huge when you can make a productive out and score a run. These guys are all looking to take the extra base and do all that. It’s really good when you have that ability.”
First baseman Freddie Freeman:
On Acuna’s demeanor:
“He was carrying himself the same way. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He carries it well with the talent he has. It’s just nice to get that one behind him. Hopefully he can come out here tomorrow, (with) that big league debut out of the way, and we can get rolling here.”
On the young clubhouse:
“I think you saw it tonight. There were a lot of good things that were happening. A lot of fresh legs out there. Young legs that were making things happen. It was a lot of fun in the dugout when you have a lot of guys making big impacts that are big parts of this future. It’s exciting to come to the yard every day.”
On Acuna’s baserunning:
“Ronald going first to third there was huge for us. Kurt with the big hit. Dansby’s (Swanson) been doing it. When you’re fast you can do that. It’s fun to watch and they’re very aggressive. That’s what we need on this team. We’re playing good fundamental baseball and it’s fun to be a part of it.”
On seeing the rebuild come together:
“That’s all you’ve heard about the last couple years. I’ve been sitting here every year talking with (reporters), like when is it going to happen? And finally they’re all sprinkled in and they’re finally here. It’s what we’ve been waiting for. Hopefully we can put it all together and have a good run here.”
