PITTSBURGH — Adam Hyzdu's thoughts upon stroking his first major-league hit reflected his Cincinnati roots. “All I could think about was "4,191 more and I'll be tied with Pete,'” Hyzdu said.

        The object of Hyzdu's admiration, Pete Rose, actually collected 4,256 career hits. No.4,192 vaulted Rose past Ty Cobb. But Hyzdu's sentiment was clear, even if his facts were a little fuzzy.

        The 1990 Moeller High School graduate waited a long time for his first major-league opportunity. When it finally arrived, the 28-year-old remembered from whence he came — and everything in between.

        Hyzdu made his big-league debut in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 3-1 victory over the Reds in the second game of Friday night's doubleheader, batting seventh and starting in left field. It was something he waited 11 years for — while playing for five different organizations, including the Reds.

        Hyzdu's unwavering faith sustained him through his decade of bus rides and pink slips.

        “All things work together for the good of those who love Him,” said Hyzdu, citing Romans 8:28. “You have to take the good with the bad.”

        Perhaps Hyzdu was rewarded for his patience, because he didn't have to wait too long for his first major-league hit. Leading off the third inning against Reds left-hander Ron Villone, he singled solidly to right field on a 1-2 pitch.

        Many fans in the crowd of 26,486 must have been familiar with Hyzdu's background. The applause he drew upon settling in the batter's box was louder than usual for an anonymous minor-leaguer, and he received a warm ovation after pulling in at first base.

        “I played this year in (Double-A) Altoona, so I think the Curve got a lot of coverage in the Pittsburgh papers, and there are a lot of fans who live between here and there,” Hyzdu said.

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Reds 6, Pirates 4 Box, runs Williamson comes through OK Native Reds stay true to Bengals Hyzdu had long wait for 1st hit

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