Tampa Bay Rays catcher Liam Hicks couldn't have envisioned making a better first impression after arriving in a deadline-day trade from the Miami Marlins.
In his Rays debut Tuesday, Hicks smacked a third-inning grand slam off Colorado Rockies starter Gabriel Hughes in a 9-7 victory for the American League leaders.
"I mean, it went pretty well, yeah," Hicks told MLB.com's Adam Berry with a grin. "Not exactly how I probably drew it up, but I mean, I'm really happy with how it went and excited we got the win."
Hicks is the first player in franchise history to hit a grand slam in their debut. It was his first career grand slam and also Tampa Bay's first grand slam of the season.
"Just relieved," the 27-year-old said. "You feel the pressure, even though you're not trying to put pressure on yourself (in the) first game, but it's really nice to get that one out of the way and just kind of be able to breathe a little bit."
Hicks was acquired at the deadline from the Marlins in exchange for infield prospects Brayden Taylor and Adrian Santana and right-hander Jacob Kisting.
"He made a lot of new friends real quick," Rays manager Kevin Cash said of Hicks postgame.
Cash added, "I don't know if you can make a better (first impression). He made a really good first impression. You don't get a second chance at it, so good for him."
Hicks' batterymate, starter Freddy Peralta, didn't have an equally encouraging Rays debut.
Peralta gave up seven runs on nine hits and was pulled after 3 2/3 innings. He was in line for the loss before Tampa Bay tied the game with a two-run ninth inning and then sealed the come-from-behind victory in the 11th.
"I know that this is a new opportunity, and people have been helping me really well here," Peralta said. "I know I'm gonna get better, because we're gonna work for that."
Peralta was dealt to the Rays for three prospects after less than a season with the New York Mets, who acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in a four-player swap in January.
