Pedro Severino debuts with double in first major league at-bat

There were a plethora of Nationals highlights from Sunday's 13-3 drubbing of the Marlins, including the major league debut of highly regarded catching prospect Pedro Severino.

Severino was one of the Nationals' initial September call-ups, joining the team on the first of the month in St. Louis. But the 22-year-old had yet to appear in a game until the eighth inning yesterday when manager Matt Williams summoned him to pinch-hit.

Facing Marlins hard-throwing right-hander Jose Urena, Severino drilled a 96 mph fastball to deep left. For a couple seconds, it looked like his first major league hit might be a homer.

"I'm just thinking that's why I walk a little bit," Severino said. "I need the wind to help me a little bit."

"Or just work out," veteran catcher Wilson Ramos chimed in to laughter.

The ball smacked off the top of the wall and Severino slid in safely at second with a double, popping to his feet with his hands high in the air.

"Oh my God," Severino said smiling. "Amazing. I'm just think, 'I help my team.'"

Severino was asked by reporters whether he felt nervous when his number was called for his first at-bat.

"No, not really," Severino said straight-faced before Ramos again interjected "Yeah right," causing laughter again.

"A couple times they call me up to hit and that's why I feel a little nervous," Severino continued. "Today, I'm just, 'Always the same baseball, so let's go to play.'"

Yunel Escobar followed with a single to center, bringing Severino racing to the plate to score from second.

"I'm just feeling great because when I score like everybody went in the dugout with me and give me high five," Severino said. "They proud of me. I feel like I help my team."

Severino, who was signed by the Nationals at 17 years old, entered the season as the organization's top defensive catching prospect. He has thrown out 38 percent of the attempted basestealers over 331 minor league games. Before his call-up, Severino batted .249 with five homers, 13 doubles and 34 RBIs in 90 games with Double-A Harrisburg.

Despite not seeing game action, Severino said he has learned a lot in his short time with the Nats from veteran catchers Ramos and Jose Lobaton.

"Just learn about catching and how they call a game with the pitcher here, and working with (hitting coach Rick Schu) Schuie on my offense, so I'm just working about that," Severino said. "That's what I do. I feel great. I'm just waiting for my time. I know I'm ready to play. I just learn here."

The ball from Severino's first big league hit sat on a shelf in his locker already preserved in a clear plastic case. The rookie said the memento will have a special home.

"I'm just give it to my mom," Severino said. "She's been waiting a long time for getting my first at-bat. (Dedicating) that ball for her."