09/07/2026
They say greatness isn't measured by how loud the cheers are at home, but how loud the boos are on the road. That certainly was the case for Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. on Sunday afternoon when they faced the Phillies after he hit a game-tying 3-run home run in the 8th inning.
Phillies fans emphatically booed Acuna as he rounded the bases after the CLUTCH play. Instead of being bothered by the Phillies Phaithful, Acuna later emerged from the visitors' dugout, extended his right arm in the air in celebration, as if it was a curtain call.
Talk about embracing the villain role 😏
After the game, Acuna explained why he enjoys the hostile Philly crowd.
“I love the fans from Philly because they boo me. So, that's motivation.”
And he certainly had plenty to celebrate.
Atlanta finished off the rally courtesy of an Austin Riley triple in the 9th inning, completing a dramatic 5-4 comeback victory and extending their lead in the National League East.
As of posting time, the Braves are 5 games ahead of the Phillies with less than three weeks remaining in the 2026 MLB regular season.
If Philly wanted to get inside Acuna's head, it looks like the plan backfired 😭
(H/T Mark Bowman)