Welcome to the big leagues, Kenta Maeda.
The first #Dodgers home run of the season goes to....KENTA MAEDA. #WeLoveLAhttps://t.co/Bf7cR4ypJ7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 7, 2016
Kenta Maeda's 1st homer in MLB. (Japanese version) pic.twitter.com/ZbMk0p0af2
— Joseph Kim (@blackwings2011) April 7, 2016
Not only was the Japanese right-hander staked to four runs in the first inning, but he added to the support himself in the fourth inning with a solo shot to left field against Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner.
It was the first home run of the season for the Dodgers, who to this moment have outscored the Padres 23-0 in three games this season.
Maeda is the second Dodgers pitcher to hit a home run in his big league debut. Dan Bankhead did the same against the Pirates on August 26, 1947, in his first major league at-bat.
Maybe Maeda can get Dave Roberts to take him out for another steak dinner.