By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Imagine trying to concentrate when Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio - familiar names and imposing players from your Texas childhood - are waiting to plant your very next pitch into the outfield seats.

Ryan Wagner pitches against the Astros Saturday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

Fans cheer as Wagner leaves after retiring five straight batters. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

In his first major league appearance, against the Astros on Saturday at Great American Ball Park, Ryan Wagner was able to do just that.

By setting aside the nerves and emotions of the moment, the Reds rookie relief pitcher won over an entire ballpark.

"I was trying not to look at them or look at their name," said Wagner, whom the Reds drafted out of the University of Houston with 14th overall pick in June.

"I was just trying to get ahead with my best pitches, kind of saying, 'Here's my stuff. I'm going to see if you can beat me.' "

The 21-year-old from Yoakum, Texas, who had just nine innings of minor league preparation going into the game, became the youngest Reds pitcher in 14 years to make his debut, working 1 2/3 innings in the Reds' 9-8 loss.

With 16 pitches ranging from 80 mph to 93 mph, Wagner retired all five batters he faced and earned a standing ovation.

"I'm sure he was a little nervous coming in to face the Astros his first time in the big leagues," said Bagwell, who grounded out to first off Wagner in the eighth.

"You know what? Good for him. I'm sure it was a big thrill to do something like that. It's amazing to come out from college like that."

Reds fans booed manager Bob Boone for pulling Wagner with two outs in the eighth inning. Boone said Wagner was on a 20-pitch limit.

"He threw some pitches you can't hit to some really good hitters," Boone said.

"The temptation is to abuse him."

Cincinnati drafted Wagner on June 3, signed him to a $1.4-million bonus on June 13, and sent him to Double-A Chattanooga, where he pitched in five games.

Wagner was promoted to Triple-A Louisville on July 3 and appeared in four games.

"They said I was going to be on the fast track," Wagner said. "It's been, what, maybe a month?. ... Obviously, I impressed some guys."

He is replacing Scott Sullivan in the Reds' bullpen.

"He's a pretty tough kid," Boone said of Wagner. "That had a lot to do with the decision to bring him up. He's tough mentally."

Saturday's outing wasn't without its lessons, though.

The Astros complained because Wagner was going to his mouth to wet his fingers while on the mound, a rules no-no.

"I didn't know the rule," he said. "But it's the same way in college. I'm going to make them stop me before I'm going to stop doing it."

The only thing missing from a memorable debut was family.

Wagner's parents and fiance were traveling to Cincinnati on Saturday and missed his debut.

"I don't know if I can," said Wagner when asked how he'd describe the event. "I might just tell them to get a tape or watch it on TV. It's an indescribable feeling.

"I wish they could've been here, but there will be other times they get to see me."