Blue Jays' Pearson impresses with 5 shutout innings in MLB debut

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Nate Pearson delivered in his highly anticipated debut Wednesday with five shutout innings against the defending World Series-champion Washington Nationals.

Pearson, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, allowed two hits and two walks and recorded five strikeouts while going toe to toe with three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.

"My stuff plays here, and I belong here," Pearson said following the game, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. He added that he feels "so confident in my off-speed pitches now."

The 23-year-old hurler registered his first career strikeout against Nationals leadoff hitter Trea Turner.

Pearson consistently flashed a fastball that reached 99 mph.

The phenom pitched to a 2.30 ERA across three minor-league levels in 2019.

Toronto ultimately lost the contest 4-0 in extra innings.