Chalk it up! Acuña honors LeBron again with latest HR
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ATLANTA -- Ronald Acuña Jr. continued to pay homage to some of his favorite NBA stars by mimicking LeBron James’ "chalk toss" celebration after hitting a leadoff homer on Saturday afternoon at Truist Park.
After drilling the first-inning shot -- his franchise-best 25th career leadoff homer -- Acuña returned to the dugout, joined hands with fellow Braves outfielder Guillermo Heredia and they both threw chalk skyward, like James has often done throughout his NBA career.
Acuña sent the Braves to their 10th straight win, also scoring from first base in dramatic fashion on a single in a 10-4 victory over the Pirates.
Acuña honored James when he followed a home run in May by mimicking "The Silencer," a celebration the basketball legend has displayed after a big late-game moment. The Braves outfielder showed respect to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young on Tuesday, when he did the "Ice Trae" -- acting like he was shivering -- after hitting a leadoff homer against the A’s.
When asked which of these moves we would see as the season progressed, Acuña said he’d continue to use both. Now that the "chalk toss" is in the mix, it’s harder to predict what the next home run might bring.
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