Former Ram Makes First Major League Start

MOBILE, Ala-- Former University of Mobile and St. Paul's Episcopal product Kyle McPherson made his first Major League start tonight for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers, giving up two runs on seven hits, with one walk and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work.

McPherson made his big league debut Aug. 20 with two innings of one-hit, shutout relief against the San Diego Padres, and has gone on to post a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings of relief this season for the Pirates prior to Wednesday's start. In relief, he struck out 11 and walked only two while limiting opponents to nine hits and posting a .94 WHIP.

The Mobile, Ala., native was drafted by the Pirates in the 14th round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft and was named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season when he went 12-6 with a 2.96 ERA at Class A Advanced and AA.

Playing 2007 at the University of Mobile, McPherson split time between the mound and the field, seeing action at third base. On the mound, he went 1-7 with a 6.07 ERA in 14 appearances, including nine starts. He struck out 26 in 46 innings of mound work.

At the dish, McPherson posted a .302 batting average. His best day at the plate came Feb. 24 v. William Carey when he went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. His best outing as a pitcher came with four innings of relief April 13 against Belhaven, when he fanned six and allowed no runs on three hits.

McPherson is the third Ram to pitch in the Major Leagues, joining Saul Rivera and J.C. Romero. Former UMobile baseball player Joe Espada is the 3rd Base Coach for the Miami Marlins.