After 648 at-bats in the minors, Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant received his first chance to hit major-league pitching Friday. There was plenty of hype surrounding the event, so would Bryant deliver in his debut?
Not at the plate. Bryant struck three times in his first three MLB at-bats then grounded to third in his fourth trip to the plate. He finished his first game 0-4, as the Cubs lost 5-4 to the San Diego Padres.
In the first at-bat, Padres pitcher James Shields got the best of Bryant, striking him out on just three pitches. Shields led off Bryant with a low 89 mph cutter that Bryant was able to tip. He then threw his trademark changeup for a swinging strike. With an 0-2 count, Shields again turned to his changeup for the swinging strikeout.
The fans were into the at-bat almost immediately. The crowd cheered loudly after Anthony Rizzo walked in the first inning, knowing they would get to see the 23-year-old Bryant take his hacks. Many fans stood up during the duration of the at-bat. There was an audible groan when Bryant went down swinging.
Bryant got the fans involved even before stepping to the plate. In the top of the first inning, he turned a double play on his first defensive opportunity. Based on the fan reaction, it may have been the loudest double play ever turned on the North Side.
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