Ronald Acuña Jr. Powers Braves to 5-2 Victory Over Reds with Two Home Runs

BOSTON, MA - On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Ronald Acuña Jr. showcased his incredible talent by hitting two home runs, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 5-2 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark. The matchup featured two seasoned, yet unremarkable pitchers, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a high-scoring game.

The Braves took an early lead in the second inning when Ozzie Albies doubled, later scoring after walks from Dubon and a single from Yaz. Although Dubon was tagged out at home during a close play, the Braves maintained a slim 1-0 advantage heading into the bottom of the second. However, the Reds quickly responded when Martin Perez, on the mound for Atlanta, surrendered a home run to JJ Bleday, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 lead.

Acuña raised the stakes in the third inning with a powerful opposite-field homer, tying the game at 2-2. The Braves regained the lead in the fifth inning thanks to Jorge Mateo, who launched a solo shot, followed by a bases-loaded situation that ultimately fell short for the Braves when Ozzie Albies flied out.

Tyler Kinley replaced Perez in the sixth inning and delivered a flawless frame, setting the stage for Matt Olson, who added an insurance run with another solo homer in the seventh. The Braves' bullpen, featuring Lee and Suarez, silenced the Reds in the seventh and eighth innings. Acuña sealed the victory in the ninth with his second homer of the night, providing Raisel Iglesias with a comfortable cushion as he closed out the game.

This win not only marked a successful series for the Braves in Cincinnati but also set them up for a chance at a series sweep on Sunday, with Spencer Strider expected to take the mound at 1:40 PM ET.