Ex-Lookout Joc Pederson Gets First At-Bat In Majors

LOS ANGELES -- Joc Pederson had the stage, had the drama, had family in the stands, had everything he needed Monday to make his first Major League at-bat the stuff of legend -- a true Hollywood debut.

Pederson even had a pitch to hit -- a 2-0 fastball right in his wheelhouse. The left-hander ripped it with the kind of swing that earned him top-prospect status -- that earned him the faith of his manager to send him to the plate with two outs in the ninth, with the tying runs on base.

But the ball hooked foul. It landed harmlessly in the right-field corner, and Nationals closer Rafael Soriano made sure Pederson wouldn't get a chance to hit one straighter. The right-hander spotted a 3-2 slider on the outside corner. Called strike three.

Pederson had his first Major League at-bat end a 6-4 Dodgers loss.

But it didn't happen. Pederson, who was called up before Monday's game with rosters expanding, said the ball he lined foul was one he shouldn't have missed, one he'd like to have back.

But he said he didn't shy away from the moment. The 2014 Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player said to be able to make his debut in that kind of pressure situation was "pretty special."

------ Source: MLB.com