Braves Dominate Marlins 7-0 with Acuña Leading the Charge

Ronald Acuña Jr. showcased his prowess at the plate, recording two hits, two walks, and an RBI as the Atlanta Braves triumphed over the Miami Marlins with a score of 7-0 on Saturday.

Drake Baldwin contributed significantly with a home run, while Marcell Ozuna added an RBI double and a single. This victory marks the Braves' seventh win in their last nine games, a notable turnaround after they had dipped to a season-low of 10 games under .500 on June 10.

Starting pitcher Grant Holmes (4-6) navigated through control issues, completing 5 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits, issued five walks, and struck out five batters. The shutout was secured by Enyel De Los Santos, Dylan Lee, and Rafael Montero, who each played a role in maintaining the scoreline.

Acuña, the reigning NL MVP, has reached base safely in 25 of his last 26 games since returning from the injured list on May 23. His performance continues to be a key factor for the Braves.

The Braves wasted no time against Miami's starter Eury Pérez (0-2), with Ozuna's double driving in the first run of the game. Acuña led off with a walk and swiftly advanced home when Ozuna connected with a line drive to the right-field corner.

In the fifth inning, Acuña's RBI double combined with Austin Riley's single extended the lead to 3-0. Baldwin then delivered a three-run homer off Marlins reliever Josh Simpson in the ninth inning, solidifying the Braves' dominance.

Pérez struggled in his third start post-Tommy John surgery, yielding three runs and four hits while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings.

Prior to the game, the Braves placed Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured left rib cage.

Holmes faced a challenge in the fifth inning when he loaded the bases with two outs but managed to strike out Agustín Ramírez to escape the jam.

Acuña has now reached base multiple times in 11 consecutive games, further solidifying his status as a key player for Atlanta.

Looking ahead, RHP Bryce Elder (2-3, 4.45 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Braves in the series finale against Marlins RHP Sandy Alcántara (3-8, 6.88) on Sunday.