Cole makes pro debut

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

Gerrit Cole, who the Pirates selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, made his professional debut on Friday in the Arizona Fall League. Starting for the Mesa Solar Sox, Cole lasted 2 1/3 innings in the 52-pitch outing. He allowed three earned runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out two. He did not factor in the decision, though the Solar Sox eventually lost the game, 16-8.

Reports had Cole hitting 100 mph on the radar gun twice during his first two innings of work, which were scoreless.

Look for a full story on pirates.com later Friday evening for comments from Cole about the much-anticipated debut. Because Cole signed so late in the season, this was his first official appearance as a professional.

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