a fast start

Earl Burl III, the 902nd player picked in the recent MLB draft out of Alcorn State, made quite a splash in his pro debut on Thursday night: 2 hits (both doubles), 3 runs, 3 RBIs, 2 steals and a walk. Batting leadoff and playing center field, he sparked Vancouver to an 11-2 win over Salem-Keizer on opening day in the short-season Class A Northwest League. Toronto picked Burl in the 30th round. He was an All-SWAC performer this season, batting .298 with five homers and 20 steals for the Braves.