Minnesota Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff got his first career hit on Wednesday, becoming the first player in MLB history to do so in the postseason.
His record-setting hit came in the fourth inning when he singled to right field in the 3-1 loss to the Houston Astros. He went 1-for-4 as the Twins were eliminated from the playoffs with the loss.
Kirilloff, 22, was the first player in Twins’ history and the third ever to make his major-league debut in the playoffs. He also was the first of those players to start in his debut.
Kirilloff replaced Byron Buxton in the outfield, who was out with an undisclosed injury. Manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game that he was confident in Kirilloff.
“We have great faith in him,” Baldelli said. “We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think very highly of Alex Kirilloff’s ability, both as a player and as a guy, as a person. He’s a very talented ballplayer. He’s got a tremendous offensive ceiling. He can really swing the bat. He’s got power to all fields.”
