University of Delaware Athletics
Former Blue Hen Pitcher Chad Kuhl Earns Win Over Dodgers, Kershaw in Major League Debut
6/28/2016 9:36:00 AM | Baseball
PITTSBURGH -- Former Blue Hen standout pitcher Chad Kuhl was impressive in his Major League Debut Sunday night as the right-hander went five strong innings and earned the win in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park.
Not only did Kuhl earn the win, he outpitched three-time Cy Younger Award winner Clayton Kershaw for the victory. Kuhl became the first former Blue Hen to appear in a Major League game since 2010 and the first since Dallas Green to start a game for the Washington Senators in 1965. The game was televised live on ESPN.
Kuhl (1-0) had a shaky first inning, allowing two base-runners, but got out of trouble and went on to pitch five innings, leaving with the Pirates holding on to a 4-3 lead. He allowed just four hits and three earned runs and struck out five batters in his debut.
By the time Kuhl came to bat with the bases loaded and one out in the second inning, he'd already escaped a bases-loaded jam of his own. He retired the first two batters he faced. Two walks and a single followed, but Kuhl got Yasiel Puig on a groundout to third.
“The first inning was a little shaky,” said Kuhl, who was called up from AAA Indianapolis where he was 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 14 starts this season . “But I did my best. I think I was getting used to the game. Getting out of that, getting some confidence, being able to escape some trouble, get back to what I do best, put the ball on the ground, really set the tone for the rest of the outing. It's really something special. That's something to dream about, my debut was against Kershaw, so that was incredible.”
Kuhl also impressed many at the plate and with his glove. In his first career at-bat in the second inning, he battled Kershaw through eight pitches, finally striking out after fouling off several pitches.
He also saved a run in the fifth with the Pirates clinging to a 4-3 lead. With Justin Turner on third base and Joc Pederson at the plate, Kuhl's pitch got past catcher Chris Stewart. But Stewart tracked down the errant pitch and threw to Kuhl at the plate. Kuhl tagged out Turner with an athletic move, leapt to his feet, and punched his arms in the air in celebration.
Kuhl was aided by a three-run double by David Freese in the second inning. Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 22nd save, combining with Juan Nicasio and A.J. Schlugel for four innings of scoreless relief.
“I thought it was fun to watch him out there,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters after the game. “Talk about a guy rolling up his sleeves and going to work. There was probably a lot going on inside, and I thought he channeled his emotions well . . . Regardless of what happened, he stayed aggressive.”
Kuhl, a ninth round pick by Pittsburgh in 2013, earned second team All-Colonial Athletic Association and second team ABCA All-Region honors in 2013 after posting a 10-2 record and ranking third among Blue Hen starters with a 3.75 earned run average in 15 starts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
