Ex-UNO Maverick and Bellevue native Tyler Cloyd made his major league debut Wednesday night in Philadelphia, pitching six innings against the Mets and charged with the loss.

Cloyd (0-1) gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking two. He threw 102 pitches, 70 of them for strikes and left the game with New York leading 3-2. The Mets held on for the win. He also batted twice, drawing a walk both times.

Cloyd was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to pitch in place of Cole Hamels, who is suffering from a gastrointestinal illness. Cloyd, a 25-year-old righty, was 15-1 with a 2.26 ERA in the minors this season, including 12-1 with a 2.35 ERA at Triple-A.

He graduated from Bellevue East High School in 2005 and went on to the University of Nebraska Omaha where he was named North Central Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

Bob Herold remembers Cloyd followed his big brother to UNO, but stood out on the diamond. "He was just a regular guy. He was one of those guys who grew up in the back yard with his brother, played catch probably every single day and had a real competitive family. Those guys would go after each other all the time."

Cloyd was drafted in the 18th round by Philadelphia in 2008.

On Wednesday night, a lot of people in the metro became fans of the Philadelphia Phillies.

There were watch parties at Brewsky's in Ralston and DJ's Dugout in Bellevue. Dozens cheered on the 25-year-old pitcher.

"It's so surreal," said Tony Schuster, who was watching the game with friends. "We grew up with this guy. All of a sudden he is on the MLB Network and we've been following him for years"