Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Hit A Double In MLB Debut

With all eyes on him, Vlad Jr. did not disappoint, helping his team secure the victory.

NBC sports reports:

It would be an understatement to say that Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s major-league debut represented a long-awaited moment for the Blue Jays. The no. 1 prospect in Toronto’s farm system — and the league at-large — Guerrero has long-impressed his club with his .300+ batting average and double-digit home run totals in the minors. And, when he donned his father’s no. 27 Expos jersey prior to Friday’s game, it was a reminder that he has quite a sizable legacy to carry, too.

Guerrero didn’t dominate the competition on Friday, but he did show flashes of that star potential on the field and at the plate. After a handful of unproductive at-bats (two of which ended in hard-hit fly balls to the outfield corners), he collected the first hit of his MLB career with a double that shot right down the first base line in the ninth.

Following the hit, the hot-hitting third baseman stepped off the field for a pinch-runner and was replaced by Alen Hanson. It was hardly a wasted hit; just three at-bats later, Brandon Drury cranked a two-run homer to center field for the walk-off win.

Fourth at-bat. Ninth inning: No outs, nobody on vs. Yusmeiro Petit

After the A's tied the game on Robbie Grossman's two-run home run in the eighth off Joe Biagini (for some reason, Stroman was removed after just 97 pitches and allowing one hit), the stage is set for some drama as Vladdy Jr. leads off the bottom of the ninth. Could it really end with a walk-off home run? It does ... although not from Guerrero. Still, it's Vladdy who sets up the fantastic finish. Petit fires a fastball up and then Guerrero fouls off a fastball. The 1-1 tailing fastball is maybe off the plate, but called a strike, the second borderline pitch to go against the kid. He lays off a curveball in the dirt and then, protecting the plate, takes a 2-2 fastball just off the plate and grounds it past first base and into the right-field corner for a leadoff double and his first career hit. Dad gets some high-fives and Guerrero leaves for pinch runner Alen Hanson and to a standing ovation.