Rays’ Prospect Wong Gets First Pro Hit in Gulf Coast League

There is always a story that comes with getting your first professional hit.

Not many of those stories say that they spoiled someone else’s day in the process.

Waiakea High School graduate Kean Wong debuted Thursday for the Gulf Coast League Rays, a rookie-league team assigned to the Tampa Bay professional organization. He debuted at second base and batted second in the order in the second game of the day’s doubleheader against the GCL Red Sox.

The Red Sox had a combined no-hitter going through five innings. Randy Perez pitched four innings and walked two batters while Carlos Pinares was entering his second inning of relief in the seven-inning contest.

Wong started the bottom of the sixth inning off with a line drive single to center field, ending the hopes of a combined no-hit bid. His hit was one of only two the Rays picked up in a 1-0 loss.

The Rays’ fourth-round draft pick batted 1-for-3 in the contest. He grounded out to first base in both of his earlier plate appearances.

The GCL Rays fell to 3-3 on the season with the loss. Wong sat on the bench in Friday’s 5-2 loss to the GCL Orioles.

Thursday’s box score

GCL Red Sox 000 001 0 – 1 5 1

GCL Rays 000 000 0 – 0 2 0