SAN FRANCISCO -- Dylan Bundy played his first game in a National League park Friday, meaning he had to bat for himself in the Orioles' 5-2 victory over the Giants. It wasn't just his first Major League plate appearance; it was his first since turning pro five years ago. But it doesn't look like Bundy will be changing positions anytime soon.
His first at-bat, in the second inning, was actually a big spot for the Orioles. He came to the plate against Matt Cain in the middle of a rally, with a run already in and runners at first and third and one out, after Matt Wieters doubled and J.J. Hardy singled. It was clearly an unfamiliar position for the rookie, and he immediately consulted third-base coach Bobby Dickerson about what the team wanted him to do.
In a situation where they could've attempted a squeeze bunt, the Orioles opted to play it safe. Bundy took the first two pitches for strikes before swinging through a curveball for a three-pitch strikeout. Adam Jones picked up his pitcher one batter later, coming through with a two-out single to drive home a run and give the Orioles a 2-0 lead.
"I'm pretty sure I missed a sign on that one," joked Bundy. "I wasn't really sure what was going on in that at-bat."
Bundy next came up leading off the fourth against Cain, and the result was the same: He swung through a curve for a three-pitch strikeout. He did manage to put the ball in play leading off the sixth against Giants reliever George Kontos, grounding back to the mound. He finished the day 0-for-3.
"It's still fun to go up there and be in the batter's box," said Bundy. "Not everybody can say they've done that before. It was cool, and I got to run down the line a little bit, so it was interesting."
In the end, despite his struggles at the plate Friday, he's been on top of his game since entering the rotation, going 4-2 with a 2.75 ERA in six starts.