May 19, 2024
ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit two of Atlanta's five homers — all in the first two innings — and the power-hitting Braves beat Joe Ryan and the Minnesota Twins 6-2 on Tuesday night.
Acuña sparked the barrage of long balls by hitting Ryan's first pitch into the Braves' bullpen in right field. Thanks to a productive June, the Braves lead the majors with 146 homers. Beginning the night, the Los Angeles Dodgers were second with 124.
Atlanta hit five homers in its first 10 at-bats and has 54 this month, only two shy of the franchise record for any month set with 56 in June 2019.
“It's incredible, incredible to see what we've been doing,” Acuña said through a translator.
The NL East-leading Braves have won four straight and 12 of 13. Minnesota (40-41) fell below .500 but still leads the AL Central.
Austin Riley hit a two-run shot and Sean Murphy also hit a homer in the Braves' four-run first inning. Michael Harris II and Acuña added back-to-back shots in the second. It marked the first time the Braves hit five homers in the first two innings since May 28, 2003, against Cincinnati.
“The lineup for us, I'm glad I don't have to face it,” said Braves right-hander Bryce Elder (6-1), who overcame four walks to allow two runs in six innings, leaving his NL-leading ERA at 2.44.
Manager Brian Snitker said Elder “really struggled to make it happen" and “kind of got his second breath” in the fifth.
“His last two innings were probably his best,” Snitker said.
