UC grad, top prospect homers in Chicago Cubs debut

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 25:  Ian Happ (R) #86 of the Chicago Cubs high-fives teammates including Taylor Davis #82 after Happ hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during their exhibition game at Cashman Field on March 25, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cubs won 11-7.  (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Credit: Ethan Miller

Credit: Ethan Miller

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 25: Ian Happ (R) #86 of the Chicago Cubs high-fives teammates including Taylor Davis #82 after Happ hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during their exhibition game at Cashman Field on March 25, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cubs won 11-7. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

University of Cincinnati graduate and Chicago Cubs 2015 first-round draft pick Ian Happ had a smashing debut Saturday, drilling a two-run homer in a 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Happ, rated as the top prospect in the Cubs organization, was called up Saturday after injuries to stars Addison Russell and Kris Bryant left holes in the Chicago lineup. Happ was called up from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs and immediately put in the  lineup.

Happ played right field and batted second. He also struck out and walked.

As a Bearcat, Happ was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes award and was an All-American. The Cubs picked him ninth overall in 2015.

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