Some Firsts from Houston’s American League Debut

The Houston Astros opened their Inaugural American League Season in fashion, to the tune of an 8-2 victory over their new division foe, the Texas Rangers, in front of a national audience. With it being the Astros’ American League debut, I thought it would be important to point out some firsts that occurred in the game. That way, if nothing else, you may be able to use the information in a Sports Bar Trivia Contest years down the road.
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First strikeout: Norris strikes out Elvis Andrus in the first inning.

First hit and first base runner: Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve with a single through the left side of the infield.

First run, first RBI and first extra base hit: Astros’ first baseman Brett Wallace scored on Justin Maxwell‘s first of two triples in the fourth inning.

First error and first unearned run: Rangers’ right fielder Nelson Cruz booted Ronny Cedeno‘s single in the fifth inning. Cedeno ended up at third on the error and Brandon Barnes scored.

First relief appearance: Astros’ Erik Bedard relieved Bud Norris with two outs in the sixth inning.

First homerun: Astros’ Rick Ankiel with a pinch-hit, three-run homerun in the sixth inning off of Rangers’ reliever Derek Lowe.

First winning pitcher: Houston’s Bud Norris

First losing pitcher: Texas’ Matt Harrison

First save: Houston’s Erik Bedard came in with a two run lead in the sixth and finished the final 3.1 innings.

First team win: HOUSTON ASTROS 8-2!
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