Terry Sanford, UNCW pitcher Austin Warren helps the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers

A little over a week ago since he received the call to join the Los Angeles Angels, Austin Warren has another premiere as a Major League Baseball player.

In front of 50,000 fans on Friday evening at Dodger Stadium, the 25-year-old native of Fayetteville won his first victory as a major league player in the Angels’ 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More:Terry Sanford, UNCW pitcher Austin Warren joins the Los Angeles Angels roster

“Warren was the difference maker in this game. … We all really noticed what he did tonight, ”Angels manager Joe Maddon said in his video press conference after the game.

The rookie Relief, who put up 2 ⅓ scoreless frames, won the hill in the seventh inning against the reigning World Series champion.

Warren retired Albert Pujols to end the frame and stayed in play for the eighth and ninth innings, which helped send the game into the 10th inning. In the ninth game, he was tasked with facing Trea Turner, Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner and withdrew the team in turn.

“Good for him. He comes out of there and is emotionally in control,” Maddon said.

“He has good things. It’s not that he’s lucky right now. He has good things and good make-up. “

In four appearances for the Angels, the former Terry Sanford and UNCW has an outstanding 1.50 ERA to six innings with five strikeouts and a 0.67 WHIP.

“That was incredible. A dream comes true, ”said Warren in an interview with Bally Sports after the game.

“I’m just happy to be here with the boys and we’ll keep going.”

The editor, Rodd Baxley, can be reached at [email protected].