Luisangel Acuña, younger brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña, made history in the Venezuelan Winter League by hitting four home runs in a single game. The 23-year-old New York Mets infielder powered Cardenales de Lara to a 21-9 victory over Bravos de Margarita. This feat marks the first such performance in the league's 80-year history.
On Saturday night at Estadio Nueva Esparta, Luisangel Acuña delivered a standout performance for Cardenales de Lara in the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional. The infielder, who debuted in Major League Baseball with the Mets earlier in 2024, smashed four home runs and drove in seven runs during the lopsided 21-9 win against Bravos de Margarita.
Acuña's display was particularly notable given the recent MLB season, where a record three players—Nick Kurtz, Kyle Schwarber, and Eugenio Suárez—achieved four-homer games. According to MLB.com researcher Sarah Langs, this was the first time a player hit four home runs in a game in the 80-year history of the LVBP. The Society for American Baseball Research further notes it as the first such occurrence in any professional winter league since Alberto Diaz in the Cuban Winter League in 1995.
At 23, Luisangel has shown modest power in the majors, with three home runs in 214 at-bats. His brother Ronald gained fame in 2023 with the first 40-homer, 70-steal season in MLB history, blending power and speed. While Luisangel's game highlights his potential, it remains to be seen if this outburst signals a breakout in his career.
Acuña, once a Top 100 prospect, joined the Mets' roster this year, offering fans a glimpse of emerging talent in international play.
