Associated Press Aug 28, 2026, 11:43 PM ET ATLANTA -- Ronald Acuna Jr. hit cleanup for the first time this season and sparked the Atlanta Braves with a three-hit night, scoring three runs and drawing a walk in a 6-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Michael Harris II, batting fifth, drove in three runs with two hits, including a two-run homer, and praised Acuna's impact: 'Having him on base, he's fun to hit behind because there's always a chance he can score from first.' Acuna, the 2023 NL MVP, had not batted cleanup since Aug. 7, 2022, at the New York Yankees, and not in a home game since May 2, 2019, against San Diego. Braves manager Walt Weiss said he 'had a good talk' with Acuna, who entered the game hitting .228, and liked 'the look of him in that cleanup spot,' calling it 'new scenery for him.' Acuna was rested in the Braves' 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers the night before, then raised his average to .235 with his performance.

He added extra batting practice and made 'a couple of adjustments' to his swing. Weiss noted Acuna played with good energy and showed elite speed, including a sliding catch in right field and strong base running. 'He looked like himself,' Weiss said, adding it would be 'no surprise' if Acuna hits cleanup again in Saturday's second game of the series.