Former UNC Pembroke standout River Ryan became the first UNCP baseball player to reach the major leagues after his contract was selected by the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

River Ryan––who starred at UNCP from 2017-21––had a major league debut, earning a no-decision as the Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 3-2. Ryan allowed four hits, with three walks and two strikeouts without allowing an earned run. 

He earned rave reviews from his teammates and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after the game. Several of his family members, including his parents and brother, Ryder Ryan, were in attendance. Ryder Triple-A in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. UNCP head coach Paul O’Neil also at Dodger Stadium to support his former two-way star. 

The Huntersville native and No. 4-ranked prospect in the Dodgers organization put together a strong summer for the AAA Oklahoma City Baseball Club. In five starts, Ryan logged a 2.76 ERA across 16 1/3 innings, allowing 13 hits to go along with 19 punchouts.

Ryan made an impact in multiple ways during his time with the Black & Gold, logging an 8-1 record, 12 saves, and a 2.32 ERA over 35 appearances on the mound, while compiling a .343 career batting average with 56 extra-base hits and 119 RBI.

Ryan is the 25th active Division II player in the MLB.