Pitches the first inning (6)
I believe the answer is:
starts
'pitches the first inning' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for starts that I've seen before include "Begins or makes sudden movement as from surprise" , "reacts in surprise" , "Begins - or jumps as with fright" , "Begins or causes to begin" , "Makes sudden movement from pain or surprise" .)