ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yermin Mercedes finally made an out, but not before the Chicago White Sox rookie became the first player since at least 1900 to begin a season with eight straight hits.

The 28-year-old Mercedes got hits his first three times up Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels before a flyout in the eighth inning. On Friday night he became the second player in the modern era to get five hits in his first career start, and the first to go 5 for 5.

“I never imagined that. It is great for me,” Mercedes said after the White Sox lost 5-3 on Saturday. “Now, it’s a new day for me. I want to keep doing well and work with my approach.”