Didi Gregorius has impressive D-backs debut

Apr 19, 2013, 4:48 PM | Updated: 8:19 pm

The principal piece the Arizona Diamondbacks received in the Trevor Bauer trade made his debut with the club Thursday night, and it really could not have gone much better.

Didi Gregorius hit a home run in his first at bat off of Yankees starter Phil Hughes, and then doubled in his second at bat against the hurler. It was his first big league homer.

Gregorius, who finished 2-for-5 on the night, also played stellar defense as the Diamondbacks earned a 6-2 win in extra innings.

“It’s every kid’s dream to be able to play in this stadium,” Gregorius told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. “I got a chance and I hit a home run, too. It was really exciting for me.”

This was not Gregorius’ Major League debut, as that came with the Cincinnati Reds last season. But as far as first impressions with a new team can go, it would have been tough for the 23-year-old to do any better.

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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin delivers the ball to the New York Yankees during first the inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes delivers the ball to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin delivers the ball to the New York Yankees during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Yankees third baseman Jayson Nix chases after a ball he bobbled before throwing out Arizona Diamondbacks' Martin Prado during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Cliff Pennington throws out New York Yankees' Brett Gardner during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Didi Gregorius hits a double as New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, left, watches during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Cody Ross breaks his bat as he grounds out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Cody Ross celebrates as he scores on a three-RBI double by Eric Chavez during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Diamondbacks won 6-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Eric Chavez follows through on a three-RBI double during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Diamondbacks won 6-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Miguel Montero, left, is tagged out by New York Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Diamondbacks won 6-2 in the twelve innings. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees 6-2 in the 12th inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Yankees' Kevin Youkilis, right, throws his bat as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero walks off after Youkilis struck out to end the eighth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Diamondback won 6-2 in 12 innings. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Zack Hample, right, shakes the hand of Arizona Diamondbacks' Didi Gregorius after a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Hample caught home run balls hit by Gregorius and Yankees' Francesco Cervelli. The Diamondbacks won 6-2 in the 12th inning. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

New York Yankees pitcher David Phelps reacts during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Diamondbacks won 6-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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