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.
Nate Pearson is the 3rd starter in #BlueJays history to allow 0 earned runs in 5+ IP in his MLB debut, joining:
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) July 29, 2020
Mauro “Goose” Gozzo:Aug 8, 1989
Trent Thornton:Mar 31, 2019
"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.
First batter in The Show, first career K for @big_nate5. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/22Kyi3VZLE
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2020
Pearson consistently flashed a fastball that reached 99 mph.
99 MPH AND painted? 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/5yxIiTUUji
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 29, 2020
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.
