Jeurys Familia shows some gas in big-league debut

ST. LOUIS -- Jeurys Familia had a souvenir in his locker after the game. The ball with which he made his major-league debut was safely in a plastic bag.

"I'm going to give it to my parents in the Dominican," he said proudly.

Actually, he won't have to hold it for a month or send it. His parents are coming to New York to see the 22-year-old, about whom Mets manager Terry Collins said it was "thrilling" just to have a lively, strong arm around.

Familia took more out of Tuesday night's game than the ball. He had a memory he never will forget. He came in to start the ninth inning, against Lance Berkman.

"I was excited because he's a superstar," the pitcher said.

Familia struck him out on a 97-mph fastball to start a scoreless inning.