Luisangel Acuna has subbed so nicely for the New York Mets already that his brother's team is in growing danger of missing the postseason.
Replacing an ailing Francisco Lindor at shortstop, Acuna capped a huge night at the plate with his first career home run to help the Mets beat the Washington Nationals 10-1 on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Acuna, a younger sibling of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., finished a triple short of the cycle and scored three times in his fourth major league game.
"He had a hell of a night and I hope he has many, many nights like that in his career," Mets teammate Pete Alonso said. "Super exciting start for him, and he's been playing super lights-out for us."
New York's victory coupled with Atlanta's 6-5 loss in Cincinnati left the Braves two games out of a playoff spot with 11 to play. The Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks are tied for the second of three National League wild cards at 83-68.
