Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna drilled by Miami Marlins yet again

Another year, another incident where Atlanta Braves young star Ronald Acuna has been drilled with the first pitch of the game when facing the Miami Marlins.

Last season, Atlanta Braves phenom Ronald Acuna had established himself as a one man wrecking crew when it came to the Miami Marlins. He had dominated them to the point that, when Jose Urena drilled the eventual NL Rookie of the Year with the first pitch of the game on August 15, the intent was obvious. Urena was tossed from the game, but Braves fans, and manager Brian Snitker, wanted far more.

Just over a year later, the same scenario has played out once again. Once again, Acuna off against the Marlins. This time, Elieser Hernandez drilled Acuna just above the hip with the first pitch of the game, angering the young outfielder and leading to Snitker’s eventual ejection.

While warnings were issued, those did not appear to matter. Hernandez hit Adeiny Hechavarria with a pitch in the fourth inning, but remained in the game. Perhaps that warning was simply meant to keep the Braves from retaliating, instead of actually serving its purpose.

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It is hard to argue that Hernandez’ pitch was not intentional. Entering Tuesday’s game, Acuna had posted a lifetime .336/.416/.709 batting line over his 155 plate appearances against the Marlins, hitting 15 homers and stealing five bases. He has been a one man wrecking crew when facing Miami.

Hernandez, meanwhile, does have the occasional command issues, averaging 3.5 walks per nine innings, while hitting eight batters over his 119 innings in the majors. While he can claim that his first pitch simply got away, appearances certainly dictate otherwise, especially considering last year’s fiasco.

It remains to be seen as to what will happen with Hernandez. Chances are, he will be fined, a token slap on the wrist for appearance sake. However, the next time he faces the Braves, it may not be a surprise if he finds himself wearing a pitch between the numbers. The Marlins continued to take liberties with Acuna, and it is time for that to change.

Another year, but the same nonsense when it comes to the Miami Marlins facing Ronald Acuna and the Atlanta Braves. Maybe one year, they will learn their lesson.