Herrera throws perfect inning during Nationals debut

Kelvin Herrera's first appearance with the Washington Nationals was about as good as it gets.

The former Kansas City Royals closer made his Nationals debut in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles and needed just six pitches to retire the side and maintain his team's 9-6 lead.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

Herrera then gave way to Nationals closer Sean Doolittle to finish the contest. Doolittle allowed a home run before securing the 9-7 victory for Washington.

"It felt great," Herrera said afterward, according to ESPN's Eddie Matz. "My whole purpose once I got into the game was to be aggressive with the first-pitch strike. With the fans yelling, you get a little emotional and excited out there, so I was little nervous. But you've got to do your job."

Herrera was acquired from the Royals for three minor leaguers on Monday.

Kansas City also traded outfielder Jon Jay to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this month.