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Two Rays make Majors debuts in same game

MIAMI -- Of the 21 players used by the Rays on Friday night, two made their Major League debuts: outfielder Mikie Mahtook and right-hander Matt Andriese.

It was the fifth time in club history two players made their Major League debut in the same game, and the first time since April 2, 2007, when infielder Akinori Iwamura and Elijah Dukes made their debuts at Yankee Stadium.

Mahtook, who joined the team Friday, pinch-hit for Steve Geltz in the third inning and almost dropped in a hit through the middle of the diamond before Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon grabbed it.

Video: Mahtook excited to get the call up to the Majors

"I thought it was going to bloop in there for a single," Mahtook said. "But I guess he was playing up the middle a little bit there. [Debuting] was awesome. I think everything happened so fast yesterday, you don't realize what was going on. So in the moment, I wouldn't even say I was super nervous. I was just kind of going with it."

Andriese made the Opening Day roster, but he did not pitch until Friday night, when he started the sixth with the Rays trailing, 8-1. He went on to pitch a scoreless inning.

Video: TB@MIA: Andriese records first MLB strikeout

"I was really excited to get in there," Andriese said. "Be a part of it. Start the career on the right foot. I felt great. I had a little bit of adrenaline going. I felt like it was a good experience. It wasn't too nerve racking. Also helps coming in the game when it's 8-1. [While] you kind of like a little pressure situation, felt like it was a good spot to get my feet wet."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Tampa Bay Rays, Matt Andriese, Mikie Mahtook