Jeffcoat Becomes First AL Pitcher to Drive In a Run Since DH Rule

Brian Bohanon got his first major league victory Friday night at Milwaukee, but it was another Texas Ranger pitcher, Mike Jeffcoat, who entered the record book.

In the Rangers’ 15-1 rout of the Brewers, Jeffcoat became the first American League pitcher to drive in a run since the designated hitter rule went into effect in 1973.

Jeffcoat replaced Bohanon after the rookie had held the Brewers to three hits and a run in seven innings. Bohanon, activated before the game, started in place of Nolan Ryan, who was put on the 15-day disabled list Thursday. He left with an 11-1 lead.

When the Rangers moved designated hitter Geno Petralli into the game at third base, it made Jeffcoat a batter. A pitcher in the league bats only when the designated hitter becomes a position player. Jeffcoat came to bat in the ninth inning and doubled home a run.

Not since the designated hitter rule had a pitcher hit a double. Rick Rhoden had a sacrifice fly for the New York Yankees in 1988, but he started the game as a designated hitter. The last pitcher to drive in a run was Minnesota’s Bert Blyleven on Oct. 4, 1972, the final game of that season, with a double. The last hit by a pitcher was by Ferguson Jenkins of the Rangers on Oct. 2, 1974.

Rafael Palmeiro, seeking his first batting title, went four for five, including a homer and two doubles, and raised his league-leading average to .347. He also drove in four runs.