Nick Kingham had a major league debut for the ages.

The Pirates pitcher took a perfect game into the seventh inning Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park before losing his bid with two outs.

The Cardinals' Paul DeJong singled to left field to break up the perfect game and no-hitter.

#Pirates pitcher Nick Kingham acknowledges the crowd after retiring the Cardinals in the seventh inning of his Major League debut today at PNC Park. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/IjDsbuwcEa

— Christopher Horner (@Hornerfoto1) April 29, 2018

Kingham retired the first 20 batters he faced, the most by any player in his debut in the Expansion Era (since 1961), according to Elias.

#Pirates pitcher Nick Kingham hugs his mom after winning his Major League debut today in a sweep of the Cardinals at PNC Park. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/aLcRVa1bT8

— Christopher Horner (@Hornerfoto1) April 29, 2018

A great ovation here from the PNC crowd for @NickKingham as he allows his first hit with two outs in the 7th. #Captip pic.twitter.com/x1RBt52Akf

— Pirates (@Pirates) April 29, 2018

#Pirates No. 12 prospect Nick Kingham's day is done. Based on Game Score (84), his @MLB debut is the best in the past 20 years and among the 22 best in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/lRO2my98fs

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 29, 2018

Michael Feliz replaced Kingham to start the eighth inning.

Kingham finished with nine strikeouts and no walks.

Most strikeouts by #Pirates pitchers in #MLB debut: pic.twitter.com/dT67Wjv7f5

— Joe Block (@joe_block) April 29, 2018

Now THIS is how you debut.A tip of the cap to @NickKingham today. pic.twitter.com/PUtlmI8QwF

— Pirates (@Pirates) April 29, 2018

Another Vegas kid making his stamp on the game! Congrats to @NickKingham on an absolutey stellar debut! Happy for you big man

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) April 29, 2018

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