MIAMI (May 19, 2008) – Matt Tupman, a two-year standout on the UMass Lowell baseball team from 2001-02, singled in his first major league at-bat Sunday in the Kansas City Royals 9-3 victory over the Florida Marlins at Dolphins Stadium.

An All-American catcher in 2002, Tupman was called up for the second time this season from class AAA Omaha, and pinch hit for reliever Jimmy Gobble in the ninth inning and caught the bottom half of the inning for Miguel Olivo.

With the appearance, Tupman is the second UML baseball alumnus to play in the majors. Former standout Mike LaValliere (1979-81) enjoyed a lengthy career with Philadelphia, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Chicago White Sox, earning Gold Glove honors in 1987 with Pittsburgh.

In 24 games with Omaha this season, Tupman is currently batting .278 while slugging .444 with 14 runs, 13 RBI and four runs.

Tupman has steadily worked his way through the minor leagues, starting in 2002 with class A Spokane followed by the 2003 season with Burlington Bees of the Midwest League. In 2004, Tupman played advanced ‘A’ with the Wilmington Blue Rocks before moving on to AA Wichita Wranglers in 2005, then earning promotion to Omaha during the 2006 season.

Tupman sacrificed his senior season at UML after he was drafted in the ninth round by Kansas City in 2002. Despite playing only two seasons, Tupman ranks among UML career leaders in several categories: batting (12th, .368), slugging (11, .594), doubles (14th, 33), triples (tied for 15th, 13) and home runs (tied for 19th, 13).

Tupman helped lead the River Hawks to a pair of NCAA Tournament Northeast Regional championships and appearances in the Division II World Series in his two years. Additionally, the River Hawks also captured both the Northeast-10 Conference regular season and tournament titles both years.

Tupman is a native of Concord, NH.