The Toronto Blue Jays knew facing the Atlanta Braves wouldn't be easy, but rookie Chad Dallas made it seem that way, as the Blue Jays were able to salvage a win in the third game of the series with a much needed 7-2 victory. 

The 25-year-old made a stellar MLB debut for the Blue Jays, coming to  the mound after opener Mason Fluharty pitched 1 1/3 innings. Dallas attacked the zone efficiently, using the sweeper as his primary strikeout pitch. He also went north/south with a curveball that worked well for him.

It also helped that the Blue Jays had 10 hits against Chris Sale and were finally able to produce with runners in scoring position. Toronto's Myles Straw came up big with a two-run single with the bases loaded in the top of the third and an RBI single in the top of the ninth. 

Chad Dallas makes dominant MLB debut for Blue Jays

Dallas did not have the easiest assignment facing Sale, but the nine-time All-Star gave up an uncharacteristic 10 hits and three earned runs. Most of the hits came on pitches in the bottom of the zone. 

This debut was special for Dallas as he missed most of 2024 and all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. It's been a long road for him, but he showed resiliency on a night he will never forget for the rest of his professional career. 

The Texas-born rookie showcased poise on the mound, executing pitch after pitch, especially when he got into jams, then successfully stranded base runners. 

He also made a nifty behind-the-back snag to strand runners at the corners in the bottom of the third inning. He finished his dominant debut going 3 2/3 innings and giving up one run while striking out two.