Former Charlottesville righthander Kyle Nicolas (2018) was the top draft pick from the Valley League in 2020 when the Miami Marlins took him in the second round out of Ball State.

Nicolas had to wait a year before he made his minor league debut, but that day finally came on Thursday when he took the mound for the Beloit Snappers in High-A.

And he showed his promise right away.

In 80 pitches over five innings, Nicolas allowed only one hit, one earned run, walked four, and struck out eight. He earned the win and a game score of 65.

Here at ATVL, I’ll be watching his development- he’s certainly off to a good start!