Pozo hits key HR in big-league debut, Rangers beat A's 8-6

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Yohel Pozo hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the sixth inning of his major league debut, fellow rookie DJ Peters had a two-run shot and the Texas Rangers beat the Oakland Athletics 8-6 Friday night.

Pozo swung at all seven pitches he saw in the game, including one from veteran Sergio Romo that he launched high off the netting of the left field foul pole. The 24-year-old also singled against the first pitch he saw as a big leaguer in the second inning.

Pozo laughed and jumped on his way around the bases after the homer. He said when he reached the dugout, “my mind was blown out.”

Dennis Santana (2-2) won despite giving up two runs in the sixth inning to let Oakland go up 4-3. Rookie Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first major league save.

Pozo was called up Friday from Triple-A Round Rock, where he was second in Triple-A West in RBIs (63), fourth in batting (.337) and fifth in home runs (19). Primarily a catcher, he served as Texas’ designated hitter and batted eighth Friday.

Pozo’s hitting this year has improved greatly over past seasons. He attributes that to his son, Paul, born last year. Pozo said Paul had a stroke and almost died.

“He taught me how to be strong," Pozo said.

Romo hadn’t allowed a run in his previous 17 appearances.

“He knew the guy was going to be an aggressive swinger,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “Throw a slider – just didn’t get it where he wanted to.”

Peters homered just inside the left field foul pole in the seventh inning.

Cole Irvin (8-11) allowed five runs, three earned, pitching five-plus innings. The A’s, who came in with the second fewest errors in the majors, committed three.

Matt Olson hit his 29th homer and Seth Brown had two RBI...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Pozo-hits-key-HR-in-big-league-debut-Rangers-16386561.php