The Houston Astros blew away the Atlanta Braves on Friday, winning 11-3, all thanks to Zach Cole, who made an unforgettable Major League debut by launching a home run on the first pitch he saw and driving in four RBIs at Truist Park.
Called up from Triple-A Sugar Land after posting a .353/.459/.745 slash line in just 15 games, the 25-year-old outfielder quickly fulfilled the expectations set by Astros manager Joe Espada, who hoped Cole could “light a fire” in the team’s offense.
Cole stepped to the plate in the third inning with Jake Meyers on first base and no outs. Facing Braves rookie Hurston Waldrep, who entered with a 1.33 ERA across seven starts, Cole crushed a 93 mph cutter 423 feet to right-center field for a two-run homer. The ball left the bat at 114.3 mph, the third-hardes