UPDATE: In a breathtaking display of athleticism, Ronald Acuña Jr. stunned the New York Yankees with a remarkable 301-foot outfield assist, sealing the Braves’ 7-3 victory in Atlanta on Friday night. This game-changing moment occurred during the third inning when Acuña caught a deep fly and fired a laser to third base, catching Jorbit Vivas off guard as he attempted to tag up.
Acuña’s throw is not only the longest outfield assist of the season but also marks the first 300+ foot throw without any bounces since Mookie Betts achieved a 302-foot throw in July 2020. His incredible accuracy left fans and players alike in awe. Braves manager Brian Snitker praised Acuña, saying, “His accuracy is stupid. He’s a weapon in right field. His arm is so strong and accurate, and the ball carries.”
The play unfolded dramatically as Acuña caught the ball just in front of the warning track, spinning and launching the throw that reached third base in the air, just in time for Nacho Alvarez Jr. to tag a hesitant Vivas. Ignoring the signal from third-base coach Luis Rojas to slide, Vivas found himself caught in a pivotal moment of the game.
“I just always try to anticipate those plays,” Acuña remarked through an interpreter. “That’s really what I always try to focus on, anticipating the play before it happens.” His foresight and strong arm proved crucial in this high-stakes situation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his disappointment in Vivas’s decision-making, stating, “(Vivas) got deked. That just can’t happen. I did that all my career at third base. Just kind of play dumb, play dead. And that’s what Vivas read.” Boone emphasized that such lapses in judgment are unacceptable, especially in critical game moments.
This remarkable assist not only highlights Acuña’s exceptional skills but also serves as a lesson in the importance of base running awareness. It stands as the longest throw to complete a double play since 2021, when Adam Eaton made a 302-foot throw on July 4.
As the Braves continue their series against the Yankees, fans are left in anticipation of what other spectacular plays await. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates from the world of baseball.