ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves clinched their second consecutive National League East title when Ronald Acuna Jr. hit his 41st homer in a 6-0 victory over San Francisco on Friday night that eliminated the Giants from postseason contention in Bruce Bochy’s final year as San Francisco manager.
Acuna scored three runs to back Mike Foltynewicz (8-5), who allowed three hits in eight innings. Atlanta’s 19th division title tied the New York Yankees for the most since Major League Baseball split into divisions for the 1969 season.
Atlanta’s victory ensured it will finish ahead of second-place Washington and will start the NL Division Series at home on Oct. 3, most likely against the NL Central champion.
Braves players ran onto the infield to celebrate as soon as Acuna caught Alex Dickerson‘s game-ending flyout.