Haniger makes debut, triples off Syndergaard for first big-league hit

On Tuesday night, Cal Poly alum and former Big West Conference Player of the Year Mitch Haniger made his major-league debut. The 25 year-old outfielder started in left field, batting 7th. Facing Noah Syndergaard, Haniger struck out in his first at-bat and grounded out to second base in his second.

Here’s a second picture of Mitch Haniger that hasn’t been used by everyone and their brother. By Owen Main

In his third at-bat, Haniger tripled toward the pool in Chase Field’s right-centerfield gap. The hit drove in two D-Backs as they tried to come back against New York’s Thor. Here’s a link to a video, though you’ll likely have to watch one of those infernal “Toomgis” AMPM commercials before you’re treated to the sweet Haniger swing.

Later in the game, Haniger roped a hanging breaking ball down the left field line for his second hit — a double. Haniger became the first Diamondbacks player to notch a triple for his first big league hit and also the first to have three RBI’s in his debut.

Two springs ago, Haniger was in his first spring training with the Diamondbacks when I caught up with him for a conversation. After starting that season poorly in AA ball, Haniger was demoted to High A in the California League. This year, he worked his way all the way to Arizona’s Reno affiliate, where he was tearing it up.

Arizona brought him up tonight and it paid dividends.

Congrats, Mitch. You’ve got a whole lot of Cal Poly fans rooting for you.