11 years and no longer counting for 1st MLB hit

SAN FRANCISCO -- After 11 years and 1,132 games in the Minors, Jason Krizan made his long-awaited Major League debut with the Giants on Friday night. Two days later, Krizan enjoyed another big milestone, delivering a single to right field to collect his first career MLB hit in the fifth inning of the Giants’ 11-5 loss to the Nationals on Sunday afternoon at Oracle Park.

Krizan, who made his third consecutive start in left field on Sunday, drew a walk in his first plate appearance before delivering the Giants’ first hit of the afternoon against Nationals right-hander Josiah Gray in the fifth. His family, including his wife, Kristin, and his 2-year-old son, Carter, was in the stands to witness the moment, making the feat that much sweeter for the 32-year-old journeyman.

“Josiah was pitching great up until that point,” Krizan said. “I happened to get a fastball that I could get a barrel to. Luckily, I found a hole. I guess the best moment was everything afterwards. The crowd was awesome. It was just a special moment.”

Krizan got an assist from the Giants’ hottest hitter, Joc Pederson, who has been out of the lineup for the last three games as he nurses a right adductor strain. Krizan and Pederson use similar bats, so Krizan decided to borrow one of Pederson’s in the fifth.

“This morning, we were talking, and we kind of spoke it into existence,” Krizan said. “The first at-bat, I used my bat and I felt a little quick with it. I picked up Joc’s and happened to get the hit. It was pretty cool.”

Krizan said he found Pederson later in the game and gave him a big hug to thank him for lending him the bat that led to his first hit. There were plenty of other people in the Giants’ dugout who were happy for Krizan, as well.

“It was a really special moment for everybody in the dugout, and obviously, huge for Jason and for his family,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “I’m really glad that that happened. You never take a single hit for granted in the Major Leagues. You never take an inning or a moment for granted in the Major Leagues. This is the place you dream of playing from the time you’re a child and the first time you have a bat in your hands. For Jason, we couldn’t be happier for him.”

Shortly after the game, Krizan and right-handed reliever Yunior Marte were optioned to Triple-A Sacramento as the Giants reduced their roster from 28 to 26 players ahead of Monday's deadline.