Former ERAU Ace Pitcher Shines In Major League Debut

St. Louis, MO - Over a year after a baseball to the temple nearly killed him, a former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University pitcher has a dream major league debut. 26-year-old Daniel Poncedeleon held the Cincinnati Reds hitless through 7 innings pitched, taking the no-decision in a 2-1 loss for the St. Louis Cardinals.

14 months ago, @_ponce14 was hit in the head by a line drive. Today, he made his MLB debut. Never give up. pic.twitter.com/ybpaotfS6C

— MLB (@MLB) July 24, 2018

Originally called up last month from AAA Memphis by the Cardinals but not used in a game, Poncedeleon becomes the first pitcher since 1892 to not allow a hit in his first Major League Baseball appearance. His performance last night comes after he nearly died last year from an injury during a minor league baseball game. Poncedeleon took a baseball to the head, needing emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation before returning to the mound this year.