ST. LOUIS — — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a three-run homer in the second inning Monday night, leading the Atlanta Braves to an 8-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Acuña, who was an All-Star selection last season, finished with a 3-for-4 night with a double and a single. He also drew a walk and scored two runs.
Ozzie Albies smacked a two-run homer and Austin Riley added a solo shot in the Braves’ 10-hit attack. Atlanta has won three of its first four games this season.
Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 NL MVP, hit his first home run of the season along with a single in four at-bats.
Charlie Morton (1-0) pitched 5 1/3 innings to notch the win. The 39-year-old Morton scattered nine hits in giving up three runs.
Jake Woodford (0-1) suffered his first loss in three career decisions to the Braves. Woodford, drawing his first career start in the month of April, pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits, including three home runs. He walked three and registered three strikeouts.
LHP Steven Matz (5-3, 5.25 in 2022) goes for the Cardinals Tuesday, 5:50 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.