How Red Sox Rookie Pitcher Reacted To 'Interesting' MLB Debut
Ryan Watson gave the Boston Red Sox significant outs in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
How Red Sox Rookie Pitcher Reacted To 'Interesting' MLB Debut originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . No other MLB pitcher can say they experienced the same debut as Ryan Watson.
Watson made his first career big league appearance in Saturday's 6-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The 28-year-old recorded seven outs without allowing a hit or run, but the Boston Red Sox right-hander was involved in a truly memorable at-bat. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth, home plate umpire CB Bucknor called a strike three twice.
However, Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suárez successfully challenged both pitches using the new ABS system. The ABS reversals sent the Great American Ball Park crowd into a frenzy, but Watson escaped the jam when Suárez grounded out on a full count. Watson reflected on his "interesting" introduction to the majors, per MassLive's Christopher Smith .
“It was a very up and down, emotional at-bat against Suárez there with the challenges and whatnot,” Watson said. “But felt like I was able to lock back in after the two overturned calls there and get a ground ball. ” The Rule 5 Draft pick explained how he maintained his composure during a bizarre sequence.