Braves star Acuna makes bit of history
Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr., 20, became the youngest player in major-league history to hit a home run in five consecutive games, accomplishing the feat with a leadoff shot in the first inning of the Braves’ 10-6 victory Tuesday against the visiting Marlins.
A day after hitting leadoff homers in both games of a doubleheader, Acuna — who added a threerun shot in the seventh — opened the first with another. He is the first player to hit leadoff homers in three consecutive games since Brady Anderson did it four games in a row for the Orioles in 1996.
The only other big-league player 21 or younger to homer in four consecutive games was Miguel Cabrera, who did it for the Marlins in 2004.
Cardinals streaking under Shildt
The host Cardinals continued their strong play under interim manager Mike Shildt, holding off the Nationals 6-4 for their seventh victory in a row.
The Cardinals, who got three RBI from Kolten Wong, improved to 18-9 since Shildt took over for fired Mike Matheny on July 13. They trail the Cubs by four games in the National League Central.
Verlander foiled in bid for 200th victory
The visiting Rockies denied Justin Verlander (11-8) his 200th career victory by scoring five times from the sixth inning on to defeat the Astros 5-1. The Astros have lost five consecutive games overall and nine in a row at home.
This and that
The Indians put right-hander Trevor Bauer (12-6, 2.22 ERA) on the 10-day disabled list with a small stress fracture in his right leg suffered when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of White Sox slugger Jose Abreu on Saturday.
Mariners star Robinson Cano returned from an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Batting second and playing first base, he went 1-for-4 in the Mariners’ 3-2 loss to the host Athletics.