Manuel makes MLB debut
7/15/2009 1:30:00 PM | Baseball, Athletics
Robert Manuel, who pitched for the Bearkats in 2005 recently was called up to the bigs by the Cincinnati Reds. Manuel didn't have to wait long to make is big-league debut. During the Reds' 9-6 loss to the Phillies on July 10, Manuel worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings -- on his 26th birthday, no less.
"It was easily the best birthday present I've ever had," Manuel said on the Red official site. "My Major League debut -- I never thought that stuff would happen."
He quickly gave up singles to Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz (an infield hit ). Then he retired four of the next five, including Shane Victorino (strikeout), Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.
"My heart was going a hundred miles an hour and getting that first out really settled me down," said Manuel. "Then the second inning I had to go through the heart of their lineup."
Also this week, former Kat hurlers Luke Prihoda and Ryan Tepera picked up the first wins of the season with their new clubs.
On July 13, Prihoda threw 1 1/3 innings of relief against Hickory to pick up the victory. In the outing he recorded three strikeouts. Tepera has made three appearances for the GCL Blue Jays, picking up a win in his first outing on July 6.
For more on former Bearkats now playing pro baseball, including video of Manuel's debut, check out Bearkat Bytes.
