Corbin Burnes had a strong debut for the Baltimore Orioles, and the Los Angeles Angels and Orioles got things going.
ET — capped off by a thrilling New York Yankees victory over the Houston Astros in a Texas matchup.
In manager Craig Counsell’s Cubs debut, the Texas Rangers defeated the Chicago Cubs and hoisted the first World Series banner in the team’s history.
And lastly, the Arizona Diamondbacks shut out the Colorado Rockies with a 14-run inning.
What observations and insights did we gain from the opening day of the season’s games?
With the highlights from every game and key insights from every encounter, we’ve got you covered.
Luis Castillo of Seattle was a formidable pitcher that Boston faced, as they managed to score four runs and three extra-base hits off him in just five innings.
Rafael Devers drove in two of those runs, including a spectacular two-run home run to left center on a high fastball.
However, the night’s most noteworthy accomplishment was when former Mariners farmhand Tyler O’Neill, who was acquired from the Cardinals in the offseason, broke the record he shared with oddly three catchers—Yogi Berra, Gary Carter, and Todd Hundley—by homering for the fifth time in a row on Opening Day.
When O’Neill was with St. Louis in 2021; however, due to injuries, he struggled to produce during the previous two seasons.
Though it’s possible that 2021 was a complete fluke, the Boston lineup will score some runs if O’Neill hits.
The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Colorado Rockies 1–David Schoenfield, 16–Recap | Box score | Highlights The most outrageous “you can’t predict baseball” outcome of the day is obvious.
The Diamondbacks had their best offensive inning on Opening Day since, well, ever as they started to defend their National League pennant.
It was only the fifth 14-run inning in a divisional game since 1969, and their 14-run explosion in the bottom of the third set a record for Opening Day. It was also the first inning with 10 runs on Opening Day since the Padres in 1997.
— Oakland Athletics 0 vs. Schoenfield Cleveland Guardians 8 Recap | Box score | Highlights Should the Cleveland Guardians be seeking to deal starter Shane Bieber at a premium following his performance on Opening Day against the Athletics, they may want to research the market.
Then, in the fifth, while fielding a bunt from Leody Taveras, Steele left the game due to tightness in his hamstrings.
Adolis Garcia launched a home run and punctuated it with a bat flip to start the game.
Rangers closer Jose Leclerc wild pitched a two-base pitch to Michael Busch of the Cubs, who stole the base.
After Chicago closer Adbert Alzolay hit a pinch-hit home run off Texas World Series hero Travis Jankowski in the ninth inning, the game was tied.
The Cubs left the bases loaded in the tenth inning after the game switched to the automatic-runner phase.
Even with the dramatic opening game, there wasn’t much to learn if Steele’s injury isn’t serious.
The bullpens on both sides are capable of handling close, tense games in the later innings.
But more than anything, it was a thrilling, drama-filled game that should set the tone for Arlington, Chicago, and the major leagues this season.
Bradford Doolittle Pittsburgh Pirates 6, Miami Marlins 5 (12 innings) Recap | Box score | Highlights: The Marlins’ 33-14 record in one-run games last season, which is among the best in MLB history, helped them qualify for the playoffs.
Let’s check to see if Bednar’s health is an issue as he missed time this spring due to a lat injury.
The only mark on a generational player, Juan Soto’s defense in the outfield has been his downfall in recent years. Schoenfield, New York Yankees 5, Houston Astros 4 Recap | Box score | Highlights.
A short while later, Clay Holmes recorded the last out of the Yankees’ 5-4 comeback victory.
San Francisco Giants 6, San Diego Padres 4 Recap | Box score | Highlights — Jorge Castillo The Giants made the biggest roster overhaul of any team in the offseason, adding center fielder Jung Hoo Lee of Korea along with Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, Jordan Hicks, and Tom Murphy.
Logan Webb, their ace starter who led the majors in innings pitched with 216 last season and has a 3.07 ERA over the last three seasons, continues to be their mainstay.
Regretfully, the same problems that plagued the previous season persist in his 2024: a dearth of assistance.
After two mediocre seasons in 2022 and 2023, the hope is that he can return to his MVP-caliber play in 2021.
In essence, the Jays are switching places with Bo Bichette by trying Guerrero at second base.
Royce Lewis’s star-crossed career was on full display on Thursday as the Schoenfield Minnesota Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals 1; recap, box score, and highlights are provided.
In his first at-bat of 2024, he launched a 423-foot home run to left field, and in his second at-bat, he singled.
Chicago Los Angeles Dodgers 7, St. Miles Mikolas highlights from the Louis Cardinals 1 recap and box score.
What a fantastic MLB opening day!
Rain forced the Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets and Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies openers to Friday, affecting all thirty teams that were supposed to play on Thursday.
Corbin Burnes had a strong debut for the Baltimore Orioles, and the Los Angeles Angels and Orioles got things going. Eight games that began shortly after 4 p.m. really heated things up. M. ET — headlined by an exciting New York Yankees comeback victory in a Texas matchup against the Houston Astros.
The Chicago Cubs were defeated in manager Craig Counsell’s Cubs debut by the Texas Rangers, who had just hoisted their first World Series banner in team history. Lastly, a 14-run inning against the Colorado Rockies by the Arizona Diamondbacks sent a loud and clear message.
We’ve got you covered with the highlights from every game and the lessons learned from each matchup. What did we see, and what did we learn, on the first day of games this season?
Season preview: Offseason moves that made waves, Power rankings, and predictions.
Go to.
Conclusions: Relive the day.
Each Opening Day game has lessons to be learned.
Seattle Mariners 4, Boston Red Sox 6.
Summary; Box score; Highlights.
The Boston Red Sox are viewed as underdogs in the AL East, and while the team may not have enough pitching depth in the long run, their lineup has a strong chance of being excellent. In five innings, Boston managed to score four runs and three extra-base hits off of Seattle’s Luis Castillo, who was a tough pitcher. Rafael Devers drove in two runs to left center on a high fastball, including an outstanding two-run home run.
Though it was not the most spectacular feat of the evening, Yogi Berra, Gary Carter, and Todd Hundley (three catchers, strangely enough) all had records that they shared until former Mariners farmhand Tyler O’Neill, acquired from the Cardinals in the offseason, homered for the fifth time in a row on Opening Day. O’Neill had a fantastic season with St. Louis, scoring 6 points, 1 WAR, and hitting 34 home runs. Louis in 2021, but due to injuries, he had a decline in output the previous two seasons. The Boston lineup will score some runs if O’Neill hits; however, it’s possible that 2021 was a total anomaly. — David Schofield.
as.
The Arizona Diamondbacks 16, the Colorado Rockies 1.
Overview; Box score; Highlights.
The most outrageous “You can’t predict baseball” outcome of the day has a clear winner. The Diamondbacks produced their best offensive inning on Opening Day since, well, ever to start their defense of the National League pennant. In addition to setting a record for Opening Day, their 14-run third-inning burst is only the fifth 14-run inning in a divisional game since 1969. It is also the first Opening Day inning with 10 runs since the Padres in 1997. With just 13 hits, none of which were home runs, Arizona managed the feat.
As an organization looking to improve on their postseason performance from the previous season and for a sellout crowd, it was a nice reward. The Diamondbacks signed free agent starter Jordan Montgomery a few days ago, bringing him into the rotation along with Eduardo Rodriguez (who will start the season on the injured list). The 2009 Yankees, who went on to win the World Series, were the last team to surrender 14 runs in an inning, which brings us to the Rockies. — Schoenfield.
Oakland Athletics 0 – Cleveland Guardians 8.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
The Cleveland Guardians may want to monitor the market following his Opening Day performance against the Athletics if they are hoping to trade starting pitcher Shane Bieber at a premium. Before an injury ended his 2023 season, Bieber—who has been rumored to be on the trade market—started the last year of his contract with the Guardians by cruising through six innings of Cleveland’s 8-0 victory over Oakland, giving up four hits and striking out eleven. Cy Young Award winner Justin Bieber gave the fans who did choose to enter the gates no reason to celebrate on a night when the focus was on the thousands of A’s fans who chose to party in the parking lot instead of attending the game in protest of John Fisher’s ownership. — Tim Keown.
Chicago Cubs 3, Texas Rangers 4 (10 innings).
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
The Cubs-Rangers opener was an exciting one, including a ceremony honoring last year’s heroes and a game-winning hit by one of Texas’ postseason heroes, Jonah Heim, for a game that ended in an uneventful 4-3 final.
The game was an exhilarating experience. Following the Texas banner ceremony, starters Nathan Eovaldi (pitching to contact) and Justin Steele (mowing down Texas the first time through the order) engaged in a mini-duel in the early innings. After experiencing hamstring strain while fielding a bunt from Leody Taveras, Steele left the game in the fifth inning.
From then on, the game began: Adolis Garcia launched a home run that he punctuated with a flip of the bat. Wyatt Langford scored his first run and RBI of the season. Rangers closer Jose Leclerc wild pitched a two-base pitch to Michael Busch of the Cubs, who stole the base. Craig Counsell, the new Cubs captain and master matchup optimizer, went deep in his bench and bullpen. After Chicago closer Adbert Alzolay hit a pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning, Texas World Series hero Travis Jankowski tied the score. With the bases loaded in the tenth inning, the Cubs advanced to the automatic-runner phase of the game. Christopher Morel came dangerously close to hitting a grand slam off the left-field foul pole, but his shot faded into the second deck, and he eventually came out.
In the end, that laid the groundwork for Heim, who scored a run in the tenth inning off Drew Smyly with the bases loaded, igniting a celebration in the center of the field.
Ouch!
What are we to make of this all? Even with the dramatic opening contest, not much could be learned if Steele’s injury isn’t serious. Both teams have strong depth, which their managers know how to take advantage of. The bullpens on both sides are capable of handling close, tense games in the later innings. Above all else, though, it was a dramatic and thrilling game that should set the tone for the major league season in Arlington, Chicago, and elsewhere. — Doolittle, Bradford.
Miami Marlins 5, Pittsburgh Pirates 6, (12 innings).
Overview; Box score; Highlights.
The Marlins’ 33-14 record in one-run games last season, which ranks among the best in MLB history, helped them qualify for the playoffs. Miami, beware of regression. Josh Bell, a first baseman who isn’t particularly known for his defense, threw out Pirates baserunners at home plate in the 10th and 11th innings, giving the Marlins hope that they could pull off a victory that would have fit into their 2023 narrative. However, the Pirates managed to scrape across a run in the 12th inning as the Miami offense continued to fail to score.
The Pirates’ All-Star closer, David Bednar, didn’t receive the save and appears to be unavailable despite being on the active roster, which was the story to watch coming out of this game. However, Jose Hernandez, a lefty in his second year, recorded his first career save. Let’s see if Bednar’s health is an issue as he missed time this spring due to a lat injury. — Schoenfield.
New York Yankees 5, Houston Astros 4.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
The one blot on a generational player, Juan Soto’s defense in the outfield has been his downfall in recent years. The statistics confirmed what the eyes were telling us: It’s been ugly.
He has maintained that he has worked at it and that he is superior to that. He demonstrated that in a big way on Thursday in the ninth inning when he threw out Mauricio Dubon, the game-tying run, at home plate from right field. Soto beat his heart out. He screamed out loud. The play passed review and was upheld. A few moments later, Clay Holmes recorded the last out of the Yankees’ 5-4 comeback victory.
Soto experienced his first truly memorable Yankee moment. And it happened on defense, as everyone had anticipated. — Felipe Castillo.
SF Giants 4, San Diego Padres 6.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
The Giants made the most roster changes of any team during the offseason, adding center fielder Jung Hoo Lee from Korea along with Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, Jordan Hicks, and Tom Murphy. But their main man is still ace starter Logan Webb, who led the majors in innings pitched with 216 in the previous season and has a 3.07 ERA over the last three seasons.
Sadly, a lack of support is one of the same problems that plagued last season when he started his 2024. Despite having a 3.00 ERA, which placed him fourth in the National League, and a heavy workload, Webb’s 2023 record was only 11–13 due to weak offensive support; in 18 games, he gave up two runs or less and only won nine of them. The bullpen showed its lack of support on Thursday. The Padres took a 3-2 lead into the seventh inning thanks to a double by Jake Cronenworth off of Ryan Walker, but he left the game after six innings. Great comeback by San Diego, heartbreaking defeat for the Giants. — Schoenfield.
Eight Toronto Blue Jays, two Tampa Bay Rays.
Overview; Box score; Highlights.
Following spring training, the Blue Jays sent out word that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. appeared to have recovered. He is happier, more self-assured, and has shed some weight. He has also hit.463 in Grapefruit League play and has put together a string of quality at-bats. It is hoped that following two mediocre seasons in 2022 and 2023, he will find his MVP-caliber stroke in 2021. At Tampa, he matched his longest home run of 2023 with his first hit of 2024, a massive 450-foot blast over the batter’s eye in center field off a cutter from Zach Eflin. That should give the young slugger, who is still only 25 years old and made it to the majors in 2019, a welcome confidence boost.
Guerrero is being tried by the Jays in the second spot of the batting order, effectively trading places with Bo Bichette. One could argue that Bichette has surpassed Guerrero to become the Blue Jays’ face, given his increased value as measured by WAR over the previous two seasons. You can’t argue with this: Despite finishing eighth in the AL in runs scored last season, Toronto’s offense isn’t as deep as it was even a few years ago. They depend on the performance of both of their young starters. — Schoenfield.
Twins in Minnesota 4, Royals in Kansas City 1.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
On Thursday, we witnessed the star-crossed career of Royce Lewis in full: The No. As a minor leaguer, Lewis twice tore his ACL, missing all of 2021 and most of 2022 as a result. He was selected first overall in the 2017 draft. Still regarded as a top prospect, he made it to the majors for the first time in 2023, but due to a hamstring and oblique strain, he was limited to just 58 games. When he did, however, play, he looked like a star, hitting over 300 with force, including four grand slams in less than a month.
In his opening at-bat of 2024, he launched a 423-foot home run to left field, and in his second at-bat, he singled. Nevertheless, Lewis hobbled into third base after Carlos Correa doubled, and a pinch runner took his place (don’t blame the cold weather; it was 65 degrees in Kansas City). Lewis’s raking in the 3-hole is a necessity for the Twins’ lineup. Hopefully it isn’t a serious issue. –Schoenfield.
The Los Angeles Dodgers 7, the St. The Louis Cardinals 1.
Overview; Box score; Highlights.
When he claimed that the Dodgers were playing “checkbook baseball” earlier this month, Miles Mikolas caused a little controversy. Opening Day gave him a close-up view of what that checkbook has to offer. With three hits, including a solo home run, it brought Dodgers Mookie Betts ($365 million). They were able to acquire Freddie Freeman ($162 million), who made three base hits, including a two-run home run. They acquired Shohei Ohtani ($700 million), who made three base runs, including a double. Furthermore, it brought them Tyler Glasnow ($136,6 million), who in six innings gave up three baserunners. The Dodgers have recently written off a significant amount of money, particularly during their $12.2 billion offseason. They’re taking advantage of the early payout. — Alden Gonzalez.
Eight Washington Nationals, two Cincinnati Reds.
Overview; Box score; Highlights.
The Reds had claimed all spring that they had enough depth to cover any situation that arose. They started the season with multiple injuries and a suspension, so they had no idea how quickly it would be put to the test. However, journeyman Nick Martini came to the plate, hitting two home runs to lead Cincinnati past Washington with ease. Although Martini had only hit eight home runs in his 354 at-bats career going into the game, he was the opening day spark for a team that hopes to make the playoffs. Newcomer Frankie Montas made a strong debut for the Reds in the mound, blanking the Nationals in six innings while surrendering just four hits and no walks. The organization assembled a young and talented group of prospects this offseason, adding veterans to create that Opening Day combination of pitching and power. Cincinnati need to be competitive in the NL Central all season. According to Jesse Rogers.
Chicago White Sox 0, Detroit Tigers 1.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
The Tigers have been in a protracted rebuilding phase, so it has long been a question whether they can contend in the AL Central; however, if they continue to see performances like they did today on the mound, they should be fine. The one thing the White Sox have going for them is a seasoned lineup with track record of success, which Tarik Skubal and three relievers shut down. The fact that Javy Baez is producing also helps. Opening Day, he batted eighth for Detroit, eventually scoring the game’s lone run after singling to right on a 0-2 pitch from left-hander Garrett Crochet.
For the White Sox, on the other hand, Crochet was the only shining star. In his first career start he struck out eight over six innings, but unfortunately for Chicago, he had no help at the plate. — Rogers.
Angels of Los Angeles 3, Baltimore Orioles 11.
Highlights, Box score, and Recap.
Despite giving up a home run to Mike Trout in the first inning, Corbin Burnes had a perfect debut for the Orioles. In his six innings, he struck out 11 of the 19 batters he faced, seven of them with his curveball. That was the only hit he gave up. The Angels were out of luck. With Kyle Bradish and John Means starting the season on the IL, the Orioles are looking for their big offseason acquisition to get off to a hot start — unlike last season with the Brewers, when Burnes uncharacteristically struggled early on with his control and had a so-so 3.97 ERA through his first 10 starts. With just six of their first 36 games against teams that advanced to the postseason the previous year—the Brewers and Twins at home—the Orioles have a chance to start strong even without Bradish and Means. — Schoenfield.
Moments, sounds, and sights from Opening Day.
