St. Louis -Update. Despite plans to add a sixth pitcher to the team's starting rotation, the Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Max Kranick back to Triple-A Indianapolis. While he may return to the major league team, the Pirates must now wait at least 15 days to recall the rookie.
In 2016, Max Kranick signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping to one day pitch in the major leagues. On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Kranick not only made his major league debut, but he was perfect. That is until Mother Nature reared her ugly head.
Kranick, a 2015 graduate of Valley View High School, pitched five perfect innings before downpours moved into St. Louis, causing a rain delay that lasted 64-minutes. When the game finally resumed, Duane Underwood Jr. was on the mound for the Pirates, and Kranick's day was over.
The Associated Press, via the Elias Sports Bureau, reported Kranick became the first pitcher since 1893 to leave after at least five innings with a perfect game intact in his MLB debut. Maybe it was the personal cheering section that helped push him to perfection. Kranick's MLB debut was witnessed by 18 friends and family members.
Although his major league debut may have ended prematurely, the Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2, helping Max Kranick (1-0) pick up his first major league win.