Ronald Acuna returned to cleanup for the first time since 2022, and the Braves got exactly what they needed. Acuna went 3-for-4 Friday night as Atlanta beat Colorado 6-4.
The shift marks a notable reconfiguration for a slumping star. Acuna has struggled this season, and manager Brian Snitker moved him from the two-hole to the cleanup spot to spark production. The move worked immediately. Acuna's three hits drove in runs and provided the offensive punch the Braves required to handle the Rockies.
Atlanta needed this win. A team with postseason expectations can't afford extended droughts at the plate, especially from a player of Acuna's caliber. One game doesn't solve everything, but it suggests the lineup adjustment might unlock something the Braves have been missing.
The Rockies scored enough to stay competitive, but they couldn't match the Braves' output. This is the kind of win that changes momentum heading into the weekend series.