How Red Sox Rookie Pitcher Reacted To ‘Interesting’ MLB Debut originally appeared on NESN.
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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.
“Just take a deep breath and lock back in,” Watson said.
Sonny Gray lasted just four innings in his Red Sox debut. The Reds led 5-3 when Alex Cora called Watson from the bullpen to strand two baserunners inherited from Danny Coulombe.
Watson worked around three walks to keep the score close on Saturday. Boston sent the game into extra innings when Wilyer Abreu hit a game-tying home run in the ninth.
Dane Myers came off the bench to hit a walk-off RBI single off Justin Slaten in the 11th. The Red Sox still wouldn’t have had the chance to pull off a comeback if not for Watson limiting the damage in his unique debut.
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