Acuna hit by first pitch; Braves beat Marlins after scuffle

ATLANTA » Ronald Acuna’s chance to extend his three-game streak of leadoff homers was put on hold when the Marlins’ Jose Urena hit him with his first pitch on Wednesday night, triggering a melee that led to benches and bullpens for Atlanta and Miami emptying twice.

Urena and Braves manager Brian Snitker were ejected. Snitker had angry words for the pitcher as he led the first exodus from Atlanta’s dugout toward the mound.

Urena’s fastball hit Acuna’s left elbow, leaving Acuna in obvious pain. Trainer George Poulis hovered over Acuna, who sat on the ground near the batter’s box while players swarmed near the mound.

The Braves said X-rays on the elbow were negative and results of further tests would be announced on Thursday.

The Braves won the game 5-2 to complete a four-game sweep.

Snitker believed Urena intended to hit Acuna with the pitch.

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt like that in a baseball uniform,” Snitker said. “That was just my emotion. That kid didn’t After the melee calmed down, the umpires huddled and then home plate umpire Chad Fairchild ejected Urena and warned both benches. That led to a protest from Marlins manager Don Mattingly.

Following a long delay to allow right-hander Elieser Hernandez, who replaced Urena, to throw his warmup pitches, Acuna remained in the game to run the bases.

But Acuna’s stay was short-lived. He left in the top of the second, walking off the field after taking his position in left field. Snitker said Acuna’s forearm was cramping when he left the game in the second inning.