Yankees’ Aaron Boone rips costly baserunning after Ronald Acuña’s play evokes Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente

Ronald Acuña Jr. left fans and players alike stunned with one of the most jaw-dropping defensive plays of the MLB season — a flat-footed laser from right field that evoked memories of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. His throw nailed a Yankees runner at third and immediately became the most talked-about moment of the Atlanta Braves’ 7-3 victory over New York.

The moment didn’t just wow the crowd at Truist Park — it prompted a firm reaction from Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who called out the baserunning mistake that led to the out. Boone’s critique highlighted the mental lapse by Jorbit Vivas, who misread Acuña’s relaxed stance and paid the price.

Acuña’s brilliance, paired with Boone’s frustration, added an extra layer of drama to a game already packed with postseason implications. While Atlanta fights to stay in contention, plays like this — and reactions like Boone’s — underscore the razor-thin margin between wins and losses.

Acuña stuns with no-step strike that ends rally threat

The third inning was slipping away from Braves starter Spencer Strider after issuing back-to-back walks. Cody Bellinger sent a high fly ball toward the right-field corner, and Vivas assumed he could tag up without consequence. But Acuña, standing flat-footed under the ball, delivered a one-hop strike to third base that stunned everyone — including Strider, who didn’t even realize the ball was in play.

“I thought it was foul and out of play,” Strider said according to MLB.com. “He’s a good actor — that was a great deke.” Nacho Alvarez Jr. applied the tag as Vivas stood in disbelief. Acuña later called it “one of the best throws of my career,” a sentiment echoed by Braves skipper Brian Snitker, who compared it to the legendary arm of Roberto Clemente. “That was like a Roberto Clemente throw,”

see also

Braves acquire World Series champion in trade for veteran reliever Jose Ruiz

Boone calls out mental error

Boone, a former third baseman himself, didn’t mince words when asked about the miscue. “That just can’t happen,” he said. “It’s a lesson that can’t happen on a baseball field, especially in that situation.” His comments echoed the frustrations of a Yankees team struggling to maintain consistency down the stretch.

Braves lean on star power

The Braves, meanwhile, saw contributions from several key names. Ozzie Albies launched a three-run homer, and Strider delivered six scoreless innings as he continues to work back from elbow surgery. But it was Acuña — already a former MVP and All-Star starter — who stole the spotlight with a single throw that reminded everyone just how special his talent is.

With 66 games remaining, Atlanta will need more of that five-tool magic to stay alive in the playoff race. And for Acuña, this latest moment only further cements his reputation as one of baseball’s most electrifying players.