Bandy launches homer for first career hit

MINNEAPOLIS -- In a 162-game season, Sunday's 8-1 loss to the Twins might get lost in the shuffle for some. After all, the Angels managed just three scattered hits in seven innings off of Twins starter Tyler Duffey. And they lost ground on both the team chasing them -- the Twins -- and the team they're chasing -- the Astros.

But catcher Jett Bandy won't be forgetting Sunday's game anytime soon. Or, probably, ever. That's because Bandy, a 25-year-old getting his first taste of the Majors this September, made the most of the opportunity he was given.

With two outs in the ninth, Bandy came in to pinch-hit for third baseman David Freese. It was just his second career at-bat after getting the callup on Sept. 1. After fouling off a fastball, Bandy hit a slider from Twins closer Glen Perkins, an All-Star, to left field for his first career hit -- a home run.

"It's great to get the first hit out of the way. It was fun," Bandy said. "Too bad we lost, but it was a great moment I'll never forget."

As is customary, players usually keep the ball from their first hit. Bandy got a ball, but since his first hit was a home run, he's not sure it was the right one. Either way, he's not complaining.

Bandy, a 31st-round pick in 2011, spent this season at Triple-A Salt Lake where he hit .291/.347/.466 with 11 home runs. He hasn't seen much action since being called up as the Angels chase after a postseason berth. But again, no complaints from Bandy.

"It's just fun being here" Bandy said. "I'm just happy to be here to be honest."

With the home run, Bandy became the second Angel this season and the 13th in team history to have his first career hit be a home run. Kaleb Cowart did the same on Aug. 22 this season.

Video: TOR@LAA: Cowart homers to right for first career hit

"I'll never forget anything about the moment. [I'll] try to cherish it as much as possible. It's just real fun. It's a great time," Bandy said. "I'm still kind of high off it right now."