MIAMI _ Physical representation of Ronald Acuna's damage against the Marlins was etched on a wall in Marlins Park.
His latest display occurred in the Braves' first game against the Marlins since Jose Urena intentionally plunked Acuna with a pitch Aug. 15. The Braves got the last laugh that night, completing a sweep.
They got the last laugh again Thursday with a 5-0 win in Miami. It was the Braves' 13th win in 16 tries over their sluggish southern rivals. If they win the East, their results against the Marlins and Mets will ring loudly.
Miami didn't get a hit off Sean Newcomb until the fifth. By then, the Braves had three home runs. Charlie Culberson and Ender Inciarte went deep with Acuna's 21st homer sandwiched in between.
Acuna hit a third-inning drive near the lit Budweiser sign in left-center, a locale oft-visited by power-extraordinaire Giancarlo Stanton during his Marlins days. The home run, measured at 432 feet and clocked 105 mph leaving the bat, literally dented the white wall bearing the '427' sign.
Javy Guerra struck Acuna's wrist with a pitch in the sixth, though it appeared accidental. Acuna slammed his helmet in frustration but benches didn't clear. Manager Brian Snitker and trainer George Poulis checked on Acuna and he stayed in the game.
The Braves were compelled to respond. Newcomb threw inside to Rafael Ortega and J.T. Realmuto before finally hitting Brian Anderson. Home plate umpire Chris Conroy issued a warning to both dugouts.
Newcomb allowed two hits and struck out eight in six innings. His only dangerous point came with two out in the sixth, when the Marlins loaded the bases because of Anderson's hit by pitch and Starlin Castro's walk. Newcomb got Austin Dean to ground out on the fifth pitch.
Newcomb was greeted by his coaches and teammates back in the dugout. Snitker was the first to approach him, offering a handshake.
How things have changed since April: Acuna was slumping in Triple-A before his call-up. Culberson finished the month 2-for-25, shrouded in calls for his release.
Culberson, starting at shortstop during Dansby Swanson's off-day, cranked a shot to left that plated two runs in the second. He's hitting over .350 since the All-Star break while manning seven different positions over the season.
As for Acuna, not only has he blossomed into one of the National League's best overall players, he's mastered the art of celebrating his success. He took a moment to admire his towering shot, though not in what some may deem an obnoxious manner. He casually flipped his bat while beginning his excursion around the bases.
The Braves preserved a three-game lead in the NL East. The Phillies defeated Washington earlier in the afternoon.
