Pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman did not disappoint

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There were two notable baseball debuts on Sunday that had plenty of people watching.

In case you missed it, Stephen Strasburg, the Washington Nationals No. 1 draft pick last year out of San Diego State who signed a four-year, $15.1-million contract with a $7.5-million signing bonus, was the starting pitcher for the double-A Harrisburg Senators. On the same day, Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25-million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, started a game for the triple-A Louisville Bats.

Strasburg picked up his first professional win by going five innings against the Altoona Curve, the Pirates’ affiliate. He also allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out eight. And, yes, his pitches were consistently in the high 90s, with at least one clocked at 100 mph. Attendance, 7,877 (standing room only).

Chapman’s fastball topped out at 101 mph but was in high 90s throughout. He gave up one unearned run on five hits and one walk in 4 2/3 Innings against the Toledo Mud Hens, the Detroit Tigers’ affiliate. He threw 85 pitches, 55 for strike, and struck out nine. Attendance, 5,642.

-- Debbie Goffa