More

    “Racist”;”Grotesque disrespect” – Fans slam Ronald Acuna Jr. over ‘sushi’ shade after eliminating Japan at World Baseball Classic

    Gossip
    Runfyers
    0

    Team Venezuela pulled a massive upset in this year’s World Baseball Classic after eliminating defending champion Japan. The Venezuelans were the underdogs heading into the matchup given the pedigree that the Samurai boasted. However, the Latin American stars changed the narrative after making a mighty comeback and punching their ticket to the semifinals.

    With the huge upset came passionate celebrations. One such celebration that caught the eye of fans was that of Venezuelan superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. After the game, the former National League MVP was seen heading to the dugout while shouting “we ate sushi” twice. This drew criticism from fans on social media for being tone deaf and in some extreme cases, it was labeled as racist.

    I mean he can say what he wants but watching him cry like a baby over a check swing strike out was pretty funny.

    It is an established fact that sushi is afiliated to that of Japanese culture and cuisine worldwide. Acuna shouting those words was pointed out by fans as to that of mocking and condescending. However, the outfielder has already been known for years for his fiery demeanor, emotional personality and not holding back on his words. Just last year, he got into a spat with Braves manager Brian Snitker.

    Idk this sounds better amongst Hispanics. He sounds like he’s doing too much lmaoo

    Imagine the Japanese said we ate rice and beans?! Can we ever be fair about things? He should apologize.

    Don’t get too cocky Ronnie or you’ll be getting your face slammed into a big bowl of spaghetti 😂

    In an incident during the game against Japan in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, Acuna had to be held back by the Venezuelan coaching staff after arguing with an umpire.

    In the clip, it can be seen that Acuna attempted to swing the bat but stopped halfway. The first base umpire, however, still deemed is as a strike for the Braves star, surrendering a punch out to Japan’s Chihiro Sumida.

    Venezuela eliminates Japan in World Baseball Classic stunner

    The Venezuelans booked their ticket to the semis for the first time since 2009 after pulling of a comeback against title holder Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The proud South American nation managed to fend off Asia’s last hope in the tournament, thanks in large part to Gold Glover Ezequiel Tovar and the team’s prolific bullpen.

    Phillies and Venezuelan starter Ranger Suarez was pummelled early on, giving up five earned runs on three hits in just 2 2/3 innings. Similarly, Dodgers and Japan ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto uncharacteristically struggled in the game and even gave up a first inning home run to Ronald Acuna Jr. After Acuna’s homer, Shohei Ohtani pulled one back for Japan for his third World Baseball Classic home run.

    Gleyber Torres temporarily claimed the lead back win an RBI double in the second before Teruaki Sato and Shota Morishita pushed the scoreline to 5-2 in favor of the title holders.

    With the hopes of bringing the game across the finish line Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata turned to Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters ace Hiromi Itoh. Itoh received the Eiji Sawamura Award in the NPB in 2025 which is equivalent to the Cy Young Award in MLB. However, Itoh was rocked by the Venezuelan offense and gave up three earned runs in an inning for his second blown save.

    Venezuela managed to pile on some more runs to go along with their brilliant bullpen that gave up just four total hits in 6 1/3 innings. Japan’s World Baseball Classic journey came to an ironic end as Shohei Ohtani flew out to Daniel Palencia for the final out.