Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Andre Jackson throws to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

 Marcio Jose Sanchez

Four years after pitcher Andre Jackson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 12th round of the MLB draft, the Tucson native finally received the nod and made his big-league debut in L.A.'s series-opening game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium Monday night.Β 

Jackson, a Tucson native and Cienega High School product, entered the game as a reliever for Justin Bruihil in the second inning. He struck outΒ  five and gave upΒ  two hits and four walks in four scoreless innings.Β 

Jackson, 25, has emerged as one of the top prospects in the Dodgers' farm system, and represented L.A. in the Futures All-Star Game, a showcase for the top minor-league players. The former Utah Ute has a 3.28 ERA in 71.1 innings pitched this season with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, L.A.'s Triple-A affiliate.Β 

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Andre Jackson throws out Pittsburgh Pirates' Steven Brault at first base after a bunt during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The Dodgers scored in the seventh and eighth innings and beat Pittsburgh, 2-1.

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Contact sports producer Justin Spears at 573-4312 orΒ jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports