Ronald Acuna Jr. Sends Message to Phillies Fans After Atlanta Braves Win

The Atlanta Braves will have a chance to win the series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday and extend their division lead in the National League East to six games. With less than a month left in the regular season, a win Monday will almost certainly put to rest who will be crowned winner of one of the toughest divisions in MLB.

Atlanta's win on Sunday over their division rivals was one of the more exciting comebacks they have had all year. The Braves spent most of the game trailing, unable to get anything going against right-hander Aaron Nola.

However they finally got to the bullpen in the top of the eighth inning, and then superstar right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. did what he so often has done and changed everything with one swing.

Down 4-1 at the time, Acuna launched a fastball into the stands with two runners on to tie the game. The Braves eventually took the lead in the ninth inning and hung on for the win.

During his home run trot, Phillies faithful showered Acuna with boos, not only because of what he did but because he is quickly becoming a villain at Citizens Bank Park.

On Saturday he launched a 450-foot home run off Zack Wheeler and took his time rounding the bases, to which Wheeler took exception after the game. On Sunday he took his time again. Acuna spoke with reporters after the game and had a message for Phillies fans. "I love it. I love the fans. They boo me every time," Acuna said, per Braves reporter Barrett Sallee.

Acuna embracing the villain role has only intensified what is quickly becoming one of the better rivalries in baseball. His confidence is also a sign that he may be fully back.

Acuna had struggled since coming off the injured list for the second time with his left hamstring issues, but since late August he has been on an absolute tear. Over his last seven games, the 28-year-old has posted a .464 batting average, .484 on-base percentage and 1.341 OPS with three home runs and 10 RBIs, getting hot at exactly the right time.

Aside from taking care of business against the Phillies, Atlanta is also looking to secure a top-two seed in the NL and earn a first-round bye. Entering Monday they are currently the three seed but sit just one game back of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the two seed. With Acuna playing at this level, both goals feel very much within reach.