Atlanta manager Brian Snitker stood up for Ronald Acuña after another Miami Marlins HBP and Braves fans absolutely loved it.
The Marlins and the Braves have a history, especially when it comes to Ronald Acuña.
When Miami pitcher Pablo Lopez hit Acuña in the side with the very first pitch of the game on Friday, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker made sure there were consequences.
Snitker stormed out of the dugout and complained to the umpires, who decided to throw Lopez out of the game.
Braves fans were pleased with Brian Snitker’s defense of Ronald Acuña Jr.
Fans in Atlanta were quite surprised by the turn of the events, particularly the response of the manager many feel isn’t vocal enough.
WAIT. Did I just see Snit defend RAJ?!?! https://t.co/T2EPCWGTmV
— Deep Fried Blake (@deepfriedblake) July 3, 2021
Mostly, fans were glad to see Snitker stand up for Acuña, who has been hit by pitches eight times this year and has been hit by the Marlins specifically five times in his career.
Glad to see Snit standing up for Ronnie. It sure had felt like it had been a while since he had. https://t.co/noMjOIxXi3
— Eric Cole (@leprekhan) July 2, 2021
Glad to see Snit come out to defend Ronald after that HBP
— Braves Moves and Rumors (@Braves_Rumors) July 2, 2021
I honestly don’t think Lopez tried to hit Ronald. But in this situation, you have to toss him. Good job by Snit of making sure it happened
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) July 2, 2021
Snitker answered the question Braves fans have been asking of him.
Can we stop saying Snit doesn't stick up for Ronald now?
— RonniesRevengeTour'23 (@BigWilks23) July 2, 2021
Funnily enough, some would have been happy just to see him kick up a fuss, even if he got ejected. Instead, Marlins manager Don Mattingly was the one who got tossed.
We’ve all been begging Snit to get thrown out, but he just got the OPPOSING MANAGER THROWN OUT!
— Hammatawk (@hammatawk) July 2, 2021
Snit got Lopez Mattingly and Stottlemyer(sp?) that’s a triple kill
— Jordañ Harris (@jhare727) July 2, 2021
The broadcast and others were critical of the umpires for the quick ejection, but fans stood by the manager and his complaint.
No, Glav, shut up. I’m with Snit: Enough of this shit. Good for the umps for throwing Lopez out. Five times hitting our superstar is too many.
— tom is @mrtobyathena on threads. blm. (@tomabernathy) July 2, 2021
That smirk on Lopez face is what pisses me off the most. And I’m with Snit I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SHIT!!! https://t.co/bTkpOiPs8k
— Jess (@braves4life27) July 3, 2021
I'm no @Jomboy_ , but looks like Snit said "No. No. I've seen enough of this shit" and he's 100% right. It seems like we have to have this same stupid conversation every series with the Marlins. It's ridiculous
— Chrisñ (@r3mnar) July 3, 2021
People are now wondering what will happen if the Marlins hit Acuña again.
If this happens again Snit needs to have our pitcher fire one into the dugout right at Mattingly https://t.co/rH4Zo4ytvX
— Blake Aued (@BlakeAued) July 3, 2021
It didn’t exactly work out well for the Marlins this time. In addition to getting the starting pitcher ejected, Acuña scored the winning run off a sacrifice fly in the first inning. He was on base because of the HBP.
It’s set up to be a fascinating series, with two more games of potential drama on deck.