WVU Alum Alek Manoah Defeats Yankees in Impressive MLB Debut

Alek Manoah’s Major League debut did not disappoint, as the West Virginia product picked up the win as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees 2-0 in game one of their doubleheader Thursday afternoon.

Manoah pitched six scoreless innings in the seven-inning contest, striking out seven batters and allowing just two hits and two walks. Manoah picked up his first MLB strikeout in the bottom of the first inning against Yankee second baseman Rougned Odor.

Wasting 'NOAH Time 🔥

There's @Alek_Manoah47's first @MLB K! pic.twitter.com/5fPd3yfADJ

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 27, 2021

A video of Manoah’s mother cheering him on from the stands was widely shared on social media during the game.

"I love you, @Alek_Manoah47!"

Nothing in this world like a Mom's love 💙 pic.twitter.com/ehnLLrxrB6

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 27, 2021

Toronto scored its run in the top of the third inning on back-to-back home runs by Marcus Semian and Bo Bichette.

After being selected 11th overall by the Blue Jays in 2019, Manoah made his MLB debut after just two seasons in the minor leagues. Making his Triple-A debut this season, Manoah had a 0.50 ERA in three starts. He is the first pitcher from the 2019 draft class to appear in the majors.

The WVU baseball team watched Manoah’s start from their hotel in Oklahoma City as they play in the Big 12 Baseball Tournament.

We’re with you, @Alek_Manoah47 💪#HailWV | @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/1whz5dvMRN

— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) May 27, 2021

Manoah had a 2.81 career ERA with the Mountaineers and was named the Big 12’s best pitcher in 2019 after going 9-4 with a 2.08 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 108 1/3 innings. After drafting Manoah, the Blue Jays sent him to the short-season Vancouver Canadians where he had a 2.65 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 17 innings in his first professional season. Manoah spent the 2020 season at Toronto’s alternate training site but was not called up to the majors.