Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves Strengthens Lead in this All-Time Category

The Atlanta Braves avoided the sweep on Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, beating St. Louis 8-5.

As has happened many times this year, the Braves' offense was fueled by superstar MVP candidate Ronald Acuna Jr.

The speedy right-fielder went 2-for-5 with two home runs out of the leadoff spot, giving him 34 for the year. He also made some history with the performance.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

most multi-HR games out of leadoff spot before turning 26:

Ronald Acuña Jr: 12

Mookie Betts: 10

Betts is the all-time career leader in such games, with 26

most multi-HR games out of leadoff spot before turning 26:

Ronald Acuña Jr: 12
Mookie Betts: 10

Betts is the all-time career leader in such games, with 26 https://t.co/sTBmwkJoZd
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 8, 2023

It's been an amazing season for Acuna Jr., who is battling with Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts (Dodgers) for the National League MVP award. In addition to his 34 home runs, Acuna Jr. has a .331 batting average and 88 RBI. He's also stolen 63 bases and is the first player to ever hit 30 homers and steal 60 bases in the same season.

Acuna Jr. is one of the biggest reasons that the Braves are considered by many to be World Series favorites.

Lifetime, Acuna is a .289 hitter with 154 homers and 170 stolen bases. He won't turn 26 until the offseason so he has more chances to add onto his lead in the "multi-home run games as a leadoff hitter before turning 26" category.

The Braves are now 91-48 on the season and they'll start a new series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.

First pitch is 7:20 p.m. ET as Mitch Keller (PIT) goes against Bryce Elder (ATL).

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