DENVER — A lifelong dream was realized on Tuesday night for Holland native and Saugatuck High School graduate Blake Dunn, as he made his Major League Baseball debut for the Cincinnati Reds on the road in Colorado.
During his first Major League at bat, Dunn swung at the first pitch he faced, and he grounded into a double play to end the top of the second inning. However, he reached base on a fielder's choice in the fourth inning, and later scored to make it 4-0 Reds. In the sixth inning, he was pulled from the game for a pinch hitter.
Prior to the game, the Western Michigan University product told Bally Sports Ohio that he was at a loss for words when he found out that he was being called up to the Major Leagues.
"It's just something that is so surreal in the moment. You just can't even really describe it. You're just so happy that all the work that us, as players, that we put in to get to this moment and being able to feel that moment and feel those feelings was really cool," he said.
"Every opportunity for us is cherished as players. The fact that the Reds as a 15th [round draft pick] gave me the opportunity the last couple of years to keep going for my dream and believing in me, and giving me opportunities to play and being able to showcase what I can do on the field meant a lot, and I'm really happy that I'm able to go out on the biggest stage and play for the Reds."
Throughout the broadcast on Bally Sports Ohio, Dunn received plenty of praise from the Reds announce team, particularly for his quickness.
"He fits right in with the speed factor. He can certainly play defense, and really the stars are aligning right now, because not only is he healthy now, over the last 10 games or so [with the Triple-A Louisville Bats] he's turned up the wick at the plate," said Reds sideline reporter Jim Day.
The Reds beat the Rockies 4-1.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
