ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves is hit by a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler hit Braves star Ronald Acuña with a pitch on the hand, and he looked to be in serious pain.
Wheeler clearly did not hit Acuña on purpose, but fans did not take kindly to the action by one of the best pitchers in the National League.
The Phils signed Wheeler for big games exactly like this. Even if he did hold a grudge against Acuña, he would not take it out on him in a playoff game. So, let’s get that out of the way.
Unfortunately, Wheeler drilled Acuña on the hand, a spot where he was vulnerable. Thankfully, he wasn’t removed from the game.
Braves fans are furious at Zack Wheeler for hitting Ronald Acuña
Acuña was able to stay in the game after the fact, but the response on social media was a mix of Braves fans assuming the HBP was on purpose, and Phillies fans angry at Atlanta supporters for booing Wheeler in the moment.
Both are wrong, at least for now.
Wheeler, of course, did not drill Acuña on purpose in a playoff game, as previously mentioned. However, is it really that surprising that the home fans booed Wheeler for such an egregious pitch? He had immaculate control all night, and suddenly tried to go inside on the Braves best hitter.
Keep it together, dude!
OOF, Acuña gets on base again but it got him in the elbow and he is definitely in pain
— Battery Power (@BatteryPowerSBN) October 13, 2022
Acuna scores and gives everyone a high-5 with his left hand….. right arm down by his side.. can’t see him coming into the field in the 7th
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) October 13, 2022
Ronald Acuña just got nailed by a 96 mph fastball inside the right elbow. He is in considerable pain.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) October 13, 2022
Hate to break it to you Braves fans, but Zack Wheeler isn’t hitting Acuña on purpose in a scoreless playoff game in the sixth inning.
— D.J. Short (@djshort) October 13, 2022
Stop booing, Atlanta. You really think Wheeler is trying to hit Acuna there?! Please.
— David Gough (@DGough94) October 13, 2022
I do not want Acuna to be hurt. Baseball is just better when he’s healthy
— Hive Cards (@HiveCards) October 13, 2022
This Braves crowd is terrible. Wheeler is throwing an almost perfect game and their out here acting like he was Trying to hit Acuña on purpose lol
That’s what happens when u only show up for playoff games. U don’t know baseball
— Aaron (@iAmThatBoyAB) October 13, 2022
I hope Acuna is okay, but that looked and sounded really bad.
— Tyrone Johnson (@TyJohnsonNews) October 13, 2022
Why they always gotta hit Acuña? It’s gotta be on purpose at this point.
— SAV (@georgiaboysv) October 13, 2022
Here’s to hoping Acuña is okay long-term. Baseball will benefit from him remaining healthy.
