'Iowa City's' Michael Wacha sharp in MLB debut

Yesterday, I told you in this post about Michael Wacha, the pitcher called up to start Thursday night for the St. Louis Cardinals in their game against Kansas City.

Wacha was born in Iowa City, and that was my hook. Never mind that his family moved to Texas when young Michael was just 3. Iowa City got the credit on Fox Sports Midwest, though:

Thursday, Wacha delivered the goods for the Redbirds. He pitched seven innings, allowing two hits, one run, no walks, and six strikeouts. He retired the first 13 Royals he faced. His fastball reached 96 mph. He left the game with a 2-1 lead. He even singled in his first major-league at-bat.

But the Cardinals' bullpen surrendered three runs in the ninth, and the Cardinals lost, 4-2.

According to this story, before the game Wacha said "I'm here to stay." Maybe he is.