The Astros brought outfielder Zach Cole up from Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday to make his major league debut with the club. Not only did Cole get his first hit, but he hit a home run on the first pitch he saw.
Cole was a 10th round pick by the Astros in 2022, and had played just 15 games at the Triple-A level prior to his call-up.
However, that didn't matter for the 25-year-old. He swung at the first pitch in his MLB debut and sent it over the right field wall for his first-career hit and home run, and gave the Astros an early 2-0 lead on Friday night.
Cole's Unforgettable MLB Debut
Cole didn't stop after his first-pitch home run. In the fourth inning, he came to the plate with runners on first and third and two outs, and delivered an RBI-single.
"I blacked out. I don’t remember it much. It was cool, kind of a floating feeling. Didn’t really hear much of anything. There was a lot of adrenaline," Cole said (h/t MLB.com). "The guys were very welcoming of me in the dugout when I got back. It was an awesome experience. I’ll remember it forever."
Cole came up to bat for his third plate appearance in the fifth inning, and delivered another RBI single. The young outfielder couldn't compete a four-hit game, as he struck out in the seventh inning, but he put together an outstanding MLB debut.
Zach Cole's first pitch in the big leagues goes 423 feet for a homer, 114.3 mph off the bat. pic.twitter.com/W6VkKBbwmy
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) September 12, 2025
The 25-year-old went 3-for-4, with 4 RBI and two runs scored.
"He’s got a swing, man. He’s got a really good swing. That swing was something that we needed badly and it took a lot of pressure off everybody’s shoulders," Astros' third baseman Carlos Correa said (h/t MLB.com). "To make your debut and make such a great impact, it’s truly special. One of the best debuts I’ve seen in person.
"He handles himself with a lot of confidence and I love that. You need that in this game to be good and stay in this game for a long time."
Zach Cole's family has the best response to his HR pic.twitter.com/tkTBXN21Ig
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) September 13, 2025
While Cole's performance on the field was spectacular, all eyes quickly turned to his family in the stands. His parents, Bob and Cassandra, were part of the friends and family who were able to make it out for Cole's debut.
As you'd imagine, they were beyond excited watching Cole get hits in his first three major league at bats.
"We are just so over-the-moon excited and so thrilled and proud," Cassandra Cole said (h/t MLB.com). "He’s worked so hard to get here and we’re so blessed. So many people have played such a big role in getting him here and we can’t even name them all, but they know who they are. We’re really proud of him."
.@cchooks locked in for Zach Cole's first Major League at-bat, first hit, and first homer with the @astros. pic.twitter.com/GqDeRa6AgJ
— Astros Player Development (@AstrosPlayerDev) September 13, 2025
While Cole had plenty of support in the stands, he quickly earned his teammates approval as well.
"The guys were actually asking me where I have been keeping this guy from them," Astros manager Joe Espada said (h/t MLB.com). "I said, ‘You know what? We brought him up at the right time.’ Right now is when we need him. I'm really happy for him. The guys really got excited. It really sparked our club. It really did. He’s handled himself really well. I”m proud of him. He’ll get another opportunity tomorrow."
The Astros will continue their weekend series with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon, and Cole will be in the lineup once again. The rookie's spark was exactly what Houston needed as the Astros kept pace with the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West.