2 fans charged after rushing field, touching Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. in middle of game

DENVER — Two fans have been charged after they rushed the field and made contact with Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. in the middle of a game.

Video from Monday night shows Acuña Jr. approached by fans who were trying to take a selfie with the Braves outfielder in the seventh inning against the Rockies. As security tried to drag the fans off the field, Acuña was knocked down.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Denver police on Tuesday identified the fans as Carlos Rivelo-Piaz and Jefferson Gonzales-Merida. Both have been arrested on trespassing and disturbing the peace charges.

A third fan jumped onto the field and back into the stands. He was only cited for trespassing and will not be charged.

TRENDING STORIES

• Patriarch of UGA mascots, Frank W. ‘Sonny’ Seiler dies at 90
• Viktor Hovland claims FedEx Cup with dominant Tour Championship win
• New memorial intersection in Athens honors legendary UGA football coach Vince Dooley

Acuña stayed and finished the game after the fans were taken into custody.

“I was a little scared at first, but I think the fans were out there and asking for a picture,” Acuña said through his interpreter postgame. “Security was able to get there, and so I think everything’s OK, everyone’s OK.”

VIDEO: Braves star Acuña Jr. knocked over after fans rush field in middle of game in bizarre scene

©2023 Cox Media Group