Reimold 1-for-5 in MLB debut

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kennedy Catholic High School graduate Nolan Reimold went 1-for-5 in his major-league debut on Thursday night, helping the Baltimore Orioles to a 9-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Reimold is a native of Greenville, Pa., and played at Bowling Green State University before being drafted by the Orioles in the second round of the 2005 draft.

On Thursday night Reimold got his first major-league hit in his fourth at-bat of the game, leading off the seventh inning.

Reimold was then forced out at second as part of a double play hit into by Gregg Zaun.

In his first at-bat Reimold lined out to shortstop on a 2-0 fastball from Kansas City starter Gil Meche.

In the fourth Reimold grounded into an inning-ending forceout, then he struck out swinging to lead off the sixth.

In the ninth inning Reimold grounded out to third.

Reimold was called up before Thursday’s game by the Orioles from Class AAA Norfolk, where the 25-year-old was tearing up the International League.

The right-handed hitting outfielder was batting .394 in 31 games for the Tides, with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.

He was named International League hitter of the week on April 20.

Reimold was particularly tough in the minors against left-handed pitchers. He batted .517 in 29 at-bats against southpaws with four homers and nine RBIs.

In 2008 Reimold batted .284 for Bowie of the Eastern League with 25 home runs and 84 RBIs. He finished the season fourth in the league in slugging percentage (.501) and was fifth in RBIs.