Yankees rookie George Lombard Jr. homers during MLB debut

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With close members of his family in attendance, New  York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. enjoyed a memorable MLB debut Monday night.

The highly-touted rookie connected on a 0-2, fifth-inning sweeper delivered by St. Louis Cardinals starter Hunter Dobbins (2-2) for his first career home run, unleashing a 392-foot drive into left-field seats. 

His father, George Lombard Sr., a former big leaguer with 77 career hits, serves as the Detroit Tigers' bench coach. He was excused from the Tigers' series-opening matchup against the host Seattle Mariners on Tuesday to attend his son's first game as a major leaguer. He was expected back to work Wednesday.

Winning for the 10th time in 16 games, the Yankees topped the Cardinals, 2-0, Tuesday. 

MORE: Yankees reveal George Lombard Jr. plans before MLB debut vs. Cardinals

Lombard, at 21 years, 63 days old, became the sixth-youngest to make his MLB debut for the Yankees since 1985. The younger Lombard batted eighth and went 1-for-2 and drew a walk.

Noted as a strong defender, Lombard also helped Yankees starter Ryan Weathers (5-7) by initiating double plays in the third and fifth innings. 

Lombard became the first Yankees rookie to homer during his debut since Jasson Dominguez connected off Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, a future Hall of Famer, during his first plate appearance Sept. 1, 2023. 

Also, on Tuesday, the Lombard family celebrated digitally as younger brother Jacob Lombard clubbed his first minor league home run during his debut for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads.

Both brothers hit homers during their second at-bats.

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