TORONTO — Yariel Rodriguez had been waiting his entire life for this moment: pitching in Major League Baseball.
Rodriguez did not disappoint, striking out six and giving up just one run on four hits over 3 2/3 innings as the Toronto Blue Jays held on for a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. The 26-year-old Cuban said he was trying to stay mentally present on the mound.
"It was very emotional but at the same time, I know I've got a job to do," said Rodriguez through translator Hector Lebron. "I was talking to myself, to just control yourself, mentally, physically, everything.