No jitters: Martin has nearly perfect MLB debut

MIAMI -- Cody Martin earned a surprising spot in Atlanta's bullpen with a strong performance during Spring Training, and then extended his recent success by delivering two scoreless innings while making his Major League debut during Tuesday's 12-2 win over the Marlins.

"My first few [pitches] in the bullpen, I probably would have killed four or five hitters," Martin said. "I was a little jacked up. But once I got in the game, everything just dialed in and I was ready to go."

Martin showed the poise of a veteran as he struck out four of the seven batters he faced. The 25-year-old right-hander registered strikes with each of the eight pitches he threw during a perfect seventh inning, and he totaled 19 strikes during this 25-pitch performance.

"I wasn't really worried about the outcome," Martin said. "I was just trying to throw the ball over the plate. I happened to throw a lot of strikes. Good things happen when you throw strikes."

With a comfortable lead that was gained courtesy of a seven-run first inning, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez took advantage of an opportunity to bring both Martin and Brandon Cunniff out of the bullpen to make their respective Major League debuts on Tuesday. Cunniff worked a scoreless sixth while facing Giancarlo Stanton, Michael Morse, Martin Prado and Marcell Ozuna.

"I thought about it for about 16 innings yesterday and today," Martin said. "Then, finally [bullpen coach] Eddie [Perez] said my name, and I started to get loose. The juices started flowing pretty good. There is nothing better than pitching in a Major League game. I know that feeling now, and I'm going to enjoy it."