No matter how it turned out, Sunday was destined to be an unforgettable day for Mick Abel. It wound up being historic. Abel struck out nine batters, tying Curt Simmons’ 78-year-old Phillies record for a pitcher in his major league debut,

Before he stood in front of a packed Citizens Bank Park and delivered one of the best Phillies starting pitching debuts ever, Mick Abel took a moment to himself. He descended the steps of the bullpen,

Mick Abel outdueled Paul Skenes to win his major league debut, striking out nine over six innings to lead Philadelphia over the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 for a three-game sweep and the Phillies’ 15th win in 20 games.