Former South Dakota State pitcher Blake Treinen made his Major League debut Saturday night, one day after being called up by the Washington Nationals.

Treinen's first appearance came in the sixth inning of the Nationals' 6-3 loss to Atlanta.  He tossed two shutout innings, giving up two hits and striking out one.

Treinen was called up Friday night from Triple-A Syracuse. In a report on nationals.com, Treinen said:

"Internally, I was screaming. Externally, I was pretty relaxed. I think it took me until I went to bed when I realized, because then it's hard to sleep, but I feel like I'm ready. I'm excited. Performance-wise, I feel like I'm here for a reason."

Treinen pitched for SDSU in 2010 and 2011, compiling a 14-4 record with 166 strikeouts in 159 1/3 innings.  The Osage City, Kan. native was a 23rd round draft pick of the Florida Marlins in 2010.  But Treinen returned to the Jackrabbits for his senior season, earning all-Summit League honors.  In 2011, the Oakland Athletics drafted Treinen in the seventh round with the 226th overall pick.

The right-hander was traded to the Nationals prior to the 2013 season.  At Class AA Harrisburg (Pa.), he posted a 6-7 record with a 3.64 earned run average in 21 appearances, including 20 starts.  Treinen was one of the last cuts by the Nationals in spring training this year, and was assigned to Syracuse.  In his one start for the Chiefs on April 7 against Pawtucket, Treinen did not allow an earned run in five innings, giving up just three hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Treinen becomes the second former Jackrabbit in the Major Leagues, joining fellow pitcher Caleb Thielbar of the Minnesota Twins.

 

Blake Treinen, Washington Nationals, South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images
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