Schmitt homers in first MLB game as Giants beat Nationals

When the San Francisco Giants called up its fourth-ranked prospect on Tuesday, the hope was that the move would add some impact to a lineup that had scored four runs over the past two games.

Casey Schmitt quickly confirmed that he was able to make an impact during the second at-bat of his Major League career on Wednesday when he drilled a solo shot off of Washington Nationals starter Patrick Corbin.

The infielder mashed a 92-mile-per-hour fastball 420 feet into the left-center bleachers as an Oracle Park crowd that included a large section of Schmitt’s family erupted.

Nothing Like Schmitt pic.twitter.com/GIkyffUXQT

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 10, 2023

Schmitt–age 24–became the youngest Giant to homer in his Major League debut since Will Clark accomplished the feat as a 22-year-old rookie on April 8, 1986

“That was crazy,” Schmitt said following his memorable MLB debut. “I didn’t know what to say. It felt like I was in a movie. It’s stuff that I’m never going to forget.”

Schmitt, who had started the season with AAA affiliate Sacramento, had hit one home run while driving in 22 RBI to go along with a .313 batting average over 134 at-bats with the River Cats. It only took him two plate appearances to match his minor league home run total at the big league level.

The infielder finished his debut with a 2-for-4 performance that also included a single to center during the sixth inning as the Giants pulled out a 4-1 win over Washington.

“He’s a very exciting player,” said starting pitcher Logan Webb, who struck out seven over seven innings of one-run ball. “I feel like every night he has a chance to do something pretty cool, whether that be on defense or on offense. I think that in general can provide a spark for a team. I’m excited to see him up here. Hopefully, it’s just the start to a long, great career.”

Schmitt’s family made the trip from San Diego to the Bay to take in the debut, as cameras from NBC Sports Bay Area captured an emotional moment that had some Giants fans cutting onions.

A moment the Schmitt family will never forget 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/9fWg3O9SzP

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) May 10, 2023

The 2020 second-round pick out of San Diego State has spent most of his minor league career at third base, but the San Francisco manager Gabe Kapler slotted Schmitt at shortstop while Brandon Crawford works his way back from a calf strain.

Schmitt won the Minor League Gold Glove Award at third base in 2022, but is likely to spend some time at short as long as Crawford and top infield prospect Marco Luciano are shelved with injuries.

“The person he reminds me most of is [St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan] Arenado,” Crawford said of Schmitt on Wednesday. “The way he uses his hands and his feet, kind of how in sync they are together. That would be my best comparison, at least defensively.”

As long as the rookie continues to produce, expect him to be pencilled into Kapler’s lineup.

“Casey is here to play for us,” Kapler said.”He’s here to help the Giants win and continue his development.”

Upcoming San Francisco Giants Schedule

• Monday, May 8th-Wednesday, May 10th – vs. Washington Nationals
• Thursday, May 11th-Sunday, May 14th – @ Arizona Diamondbacks
• Monday, May 15-Wednesday, May 17th – vs. Philadelphia Phillies
• Friday, May 19th-Sunday, May 21st – vs. Miami Marlins
• Monday, May 22nd-Wednesday, May 24th – @ Minnesota Twins

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