Reds pitcher Lyon Richardson’s five-year journey through the minor leagues culminated on Sunday with his long-awaited MLB debut—though the game didn’t have the start he likely envisioned.
Facing the Nationals as he toed the rubber for the first time, Richardson received a true “welcome to the big leagues” moment from Washington shortstop CJ Abrams, who homered on the very first pitch of the game. The next batter—right fielder Lane Thomas—didn’t let Richardson off the ropes even for a second, also swinging at the first pitch he saw and driving it over the fence in center field.
Two pitches. Two home runs. 2–0 Nationals.
