Ronald Acuña Jr. entered Wednesday's game just two steals shy of 70 stolen bases and despite not reaching base until the 8th inning, Ronald Acuña Jr. swiped his way into the 40/70 club. A club that he is currently the sole owner of.
In the 10th inning, after knocking in the game-tying run, Acuña took 2nd on the first pitch. Kudos to the umpires, who had a very bad game, for letting Ronnie and Braves fans enjoy the moment.
𝟒𝟎-𝟕𝟎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🔥@ronaldacunajr24 did it.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023
We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB
The Braves superstar had stolen his 69th base of the season just two innings prior. After reaching on a single, the 2023 MVP front-runner waited until the third pitch to easily steal 2nd. It was aided by Yan Gomes, who threw one of the worst throws you'll ever see by a catcher.
No. 69 for @ronaldacunajr24. pic.twitter.com/byNEHgoLp7
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023
Acuña, who had already created the 30/60 Club, 40/50 Club, and the 40/60 Club, has now created the 40/70 Club.
Ronald Acuña Jr.'s power and speed have been a spark plug for the Braves all season and the speed tonight might have been the reason the Braves won the game. But stolen bases don't matter anymore, right?
Ozzie Albies hit a game-tying single on the very next pitch after Acuña's steal in the 8th inning and hit a walk-off single one pitch after the 10th inning single. If Acuña doesn't reach second on either of these plays, there's a good chance the Cubs take home the win tonight.
Acuña is the first player since 2009 to steal 70 bases in a season, last done by Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox. That season, Ellsbury had eight homers and 45 extra-base hits. Acuña, of course, has 41 homers and 79 extra-base hits.
After the game, Ronald's teammates decided to give him a huge Gatorade shower and Braves fans waited around to give him an encore. This is just one more incredible milestone for number 13 on his way to the 2023 NL MVP.
"I'm super happy to have created the 40-70 Club."@ronaldacunajr24 made baseball history and then immediately scored the game-winning run in the 10th inning.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023
MVP. pic.twitter.com/afGijkWl0W