Braves clinch playoff spot behind Acuna Jr.

BRAVES 10, NATIONALS 1

WASHINGTON — Ronald Acuna Jr. ignited a fourrun rally with the go-ahead, two-run double, as the NL East leading Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

Acuna Jr.’s double down the left-field line off of Nationals reliever Fernando Rodney added fuel to a dramatic seventh inning for the Braves (93-57), who reduced their magic number to four to clinch their 19th division title.

Earlier in the seventh, Charlie Culberson was struck directly on the right cheekbone by a 91 mph fastball on Rodney’s first pitch of the game.

Culberson, who was pinch-hitting for starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, remained on his back for several minutes as trainers pressed a towel to his face. He was eventually helped to his feet and onto the back of a cart, clutching the towel to his face.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker was enraged that Culberson was charged with a swinging strike on the play and was thrown out for the 13th time, including four this season.

The Braves hardly missed a beat, though, as Acuna Jr. and Albies immediately followed with back-to-back doubles that drove in runs. Albies was trying to stop his swing, but Rodney’s pitch glanced off his bat and floated into shallow left, allowing Acuna Jr. to score.

Nick Markakis had four hits and drove in pair of runs in his second game back after missing 44 games with a fractured left wrist.

The Braves have won the last 11 games started by Foltynewicz (7-5), who pitched six solid innings to earn the win.

AP/MANUEL BALCE CENETA Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. swings his bat Saturday during the first inning against the Washington Nationals in Washington.