Acuna impressive, but falls short in HR Derby debut

Braves star Ronald Acuna was impressive in his Home Run Derby debut, but fell one home run short from advancing to the finals during Monday’s event in Cleveland.

The 21-year-old Acuna faced Pirates first baseman Josh Bell in the first round and hit 25 homers, including a 464-footer, to defeat Bell and advance to the semifinals.

Acuna faced Mets rookie Pete Alonso in the semis and pounded 19 homers, only to have Alonso hit his 20th in the final seconds to advance to the finals.

About the Author

AJC Sports

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

This was the fourth time Murphy’s case was in front of a veterans committee after 15 unsuccessful years on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

‘We can’t make plans around him at this point,’ Anthopoulos says.

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

We also take a look at Kennesaw State overcoming bad calls, SEC having a CFP edge, and ACC having a CFP problem.

The Latest

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

It seems like Cooperstown’s doors may never open for Dale Murphy

Braves can’t ‘count on’ Joe Jimenez entering 2026

Weekend Reflections: If Jeff Kent belongs in Hall, so does Dale Murphy

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Georgia districts forge their own way as troubled program faces a crossroads

School districts are dropping out of GNETS to serve students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Ex-Truett McConnell VP indicted in case tied to sex abuse probe

A White County grand jury has indicted a former Truett McConnell University vice president, accusing him of lying to a county sheriff investigator.

Dickens asks top donors for $250K to help fund inauguration events

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is soliciting up to $250,000 from top donors to sponsor three days of events celebrating his second-term inauguration.