Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday collects first hit in 14th MLB at-bat

It took a bit longer than he, or anyone, anticipated.

But Jackson Holliday, in his 14th major league at-bat, finally has his first hit. After going 0-for-13 with nine strikeouts to start his career, he hit a single to right field in the seventh inning of the Orioles game against the Brewers on Sunday.

“It was very nice to get it out of the way and to enjoy playing baseball now versus trying to fight for a hit,” Holliday said. “I get to go out there and play.”

Camden Yards erupted after he landed safely at first, the crowd on its feet and the dugout on the edge to cheer him. Holliday’s father, Matt, and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., sitting next to each other behind home plate, high-fived.

“It was really cool,” Jackson Holliday said. “I wish I had gotten it in the first four games when everyone else was here, but it’s really special for me to have them.”

Holliday advanced to third on a Gunnar Henderson single, then scored when Adley Rutschman grounded into a double play. The run put the Orioles ahead 5-4.

Holliday, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, was called up to the majors to make his debut Wednesday against the Red Sox.

The Orioles sent him down to start the season, instead of having him make his debut on opening day, because they were facing five left-handed starters in their first nine games. That stretch complete, the team felt now was the right time.

The team preached patience as he struggled in his first three games. On Sunday, in his fourth start, the Orioles got what they’ve been waiting for.

“The full expectation is that any young player, let alone a 20-year-old, which we haven’t seen in a long time, there’s some adjustment to be had at the major league level,” general manager Mike Elias said on Saturday. “I think we are already seeing a little bit of that. His pattern has been that of a very quick learner.”

Holliday said he’s felt good on defense so far, despite playing second base, a position he played only 33 times in his minor league career. With a little success at the plate, he is hoping his offense will follow suit.

For now, though, he’s just going to take a deep breath and exhale. The unread messages on his phone are going to stay that way as he takes a moment to appreciate this accomplishment after a long few days of being in the spotlight.

His first hit is out of the way. On Monday, as the Orioles begin a new series against the Twins, he’ll get back to trying for more.

“It’s a lot,” he said of his first few days in the majors. “It’s been fun, it’s part of the experience, and I don’t think I’ll take it for granted the experience I’ve had. ... To go 0-for-three or four games, it’s going to happen in ball. I prefer it not to be at the beginning of my career, but it’s going to happen and I’m glad to hopefully learn from it.”

Danielle Allentuck

danielle.allentuck@thebaltimorebanner.com

Danielle Allentuck covers the Orioles for The Baltimore Banner. She previously reported on the Rockies for the Denver Gazette and general sports assignments for The New York Times as part of its fellowship program. A Maryland native, Danielle grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Ithaca College.

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