The no. 1 pick of the Pirates in 2011, Gerrit Cole, made a triumphant debut this evening, giving up only two runs in six and a third innings against the Giants and opposing pitcher Tim Lincecum.

The 22-year old power pitcher struck out the first batter he faced on three pitches, but interestingly only K’d one other batter in the Bucs’ 8-2 victory.

To be sure, Cole will have to string together a few more starts like tonight’s to be considered a viable contender for Rookie of the Year honors and justify what some shmoe on this blog predicted a few months back.