Bases loaded, tied score, one out and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez emerged from the dugout and motioned to the bullpen with his left arm.
There would be no easing into the big leagues for Andrew McKirahan. It was time for his debut Sunday against the Mets.
“I honestly prefer it that way,” McKirahan said. “Throw me in the fire. Less time to think, and you’ve got the adrenaline going. I’d rather it be like that than a blowout game. But, either way, I was excited. It was an awesome experience. It’s a day I will never forget.”
McKirahan got an 0-2 count against the first batter he faced, pinch hitter Daniel Murphy, but Murphy hit a sacrifice fly to score a run that was charged to Juan Jaime. McKirahan retired Juan Lagares to end the inning and got a double-play ball to end the ninth with no runs allowed.
The Braves claimed McKirahan off waivers from the Marlins on April 1. The Marlins had claimed him from the Cubs as a Rule 5 draft pick in December.
Now McKirahan could face his former team during this week’s series.
“I know most of those guys, a lot of them are my friends,” he said. “But once a guy gets in the box, they are trying to steal my lunch money. It’s a war.”
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