ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – While the 2017 UCF baseball team is in the midst of preparing for its first regional appearance since 2012, one player from the 2012 squad was making history, as Eric Skoglund made his Major League Baseball debut with the Kansas City Royals Tuesday night.
Skoglund impressed in a 1-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers and former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The former Knight pitched six and one third scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five in the victory.
Finishing with the third longest scoreless debut in Royals franchise history, Skoglund retired 14 straight hitters at one point. The Sarasota, Fla., native also had the pleasure of striking out two-time American League MVP and 2012 Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera on three pitches.
With his appearance on the mound Tuesday night, Skoglund joins elite company, becoming the 10th UCF player to compete in a Major League Baseball game. He is also just the fifth Knights pitcher to play in the Majors.
Check out some of the highlights from Skoglund's debut below.
Win MLB debut ??
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) May 31, 2017
Strike out '12 Triple Crown winner on 3 pitches ??
Defeat Cy Young winner ??
You earned this ??, @LBsTheZone! #BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/4qiqjq9Rhk
Soak it in, @LBsTheZone! ?? #SalvySplash #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/6Xfo7P4LBh
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 31, 2017
Try watching this and not get goosebumps... https://t.co/cdSeR79pzo
— UCF Baseball (@UCF_Baseball) May 31, 2017
Welcome. To. The. Show. #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/kiqioshP9H
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 31, 2017