Picture Credit: MLB
San Diego Padres Short Stop prospect CJ Abrams had an incredible Major League debut as the Friars defeated the World Series defending champions Atlanta Braves 12-1. As Abrams went for his first bat at Petco Park, he launched a skying home run towards the opposite field and gave San Diego a 4-0 lead.
Braves right-hand pitcher Charlie Morton tried sneaking a fastball over the outside corner but Abrams was ready for it. He was locked and loaded as he used quick hands to smash a liner into the second row in left field as the ball went 101 mph off his bat.
But as he returned to the paddock after hitting the home run all excited, his teammates gave him the silent treatment. Abrams looked confused as his excitement came crashing down. But as he turned around and took off his helmet, the whole ambushed him to celebrate his incredible feat.
Abrams was elated with his home run as he said, “I had a feeling it was gone. I didn’t know if I hit it high enough. But I got it pretty good.”
He's just fearless: Hosmer
Padres' first baseman Eric Hosmer also praised Abrams for his performance. He was quoted saying, “He's just fearless. He showed it today. He had some great swings, just missed one, and played great defence. He was a big reason why we won the game.”
“Whether it’s defensively, timely hitting or eventually on the bases, he can win you a game in a lot of different ways. The type of competitor he is, he’s not going to be happy with where his stat line is right now. But he’s been helping us win a lot of ballgames.”