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Shortly after Carlos Mendoza commended Luisangel Acuña’s composure on the field, the rookie committed a significant error in the third inning that resulted in an unearned run on Tuesday.
However, Acuña quickly redeemed himself in the bottom half of the inning, smashing a 109 mph shot to left-center, which resulted in a game-tying double.
Later in the game, he added a single, scored a run, and capped off his evening with his inaugural MLB home run in the eighth inning.
New York Mets shortstop Luisangel Acuña (2) rounds the bases on his first major league home run on Tuesday night. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Acuña’s showcase during the Mets’ 10-1 triumph over the Nationals at Citi Field highlighted why the team remains optimistic about their playoff prospects, despite Francisco Lindor being absent due to back pain.
“He’s calm and poised,” Mendoza remarked following the victory. “He belongs in the big leagues.”
Upon hearing Mendoza’s comment, Acuña responded through an interpreter: “I believe it’s something I earned, and what he said is true.”
Luisangel Acuña celebrates after the Mets’ victory on Tuesday. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
This mentality is one of the factors that distinguish Acuña from others, according to his teammates.
“He’s really confident,” stated Tylor Megill, who played alongside Acuña this season at Triple-A. “He plays aggressively. Every time he steps out there, he gives it his all. He enjoys swinging the bat and does so early. Since joining the team, he hasn’t changed a bit.”
Acuña is not only striving to establish himself at the major league level, but he’s also doing it as the starting shortstop in New York while the Mets aim for a playoff spot — all without their most reliable offensive player for a significant portion of the season.
