Must-see moments from a wild Opening Day
Baseball is back.
Thanks to a handful of memorable and exciting performances, Opening Day didn't disappoint. From Giancarlo Stanton's remarkable Bronx debut to a number of walk-offs, here are the must-see moments from Day 1 of the 2018 season.
Matt Davidson's three home runs lands him in record books
The White Sox and Matt Davidson had themselves a day, slugging six home runs, with Davidson responsible for three of them. The designated hitter became only the fourth player ever to hit three home runs on Opening Day, and it's more impressive considering his exit velocity.
Giancarlo Stanton dominates in Yankees debut with two towering shots
Just like everyone expected, the biggest and best addition of the offseason shined in his debut. Stanton's two home runs matched the Blue Jays, who combined to finish with only two hits. If Thursday was any indication, the reigning National League MVP should have no problem reaching 60 home runs - maybe more.
Ian Happ clubs 1st home run on 1st pitch of 2018
Arguably the best moment of the day came right off the bat - literally. It doesn't get much better than Happ hitting a leadoff home run on the first pitch of 2018. Wrong. It does get better. Just ask this guy.
Blue Jays honor Roy Halladay with touching tribute
The Blue Jays' tribute to Roy "Doc" Halladay was well done and handled wonderfully by the organization. With Halladay's wife and children watching on, the Blue Jays retired his No. 32 and inducted him into their Level of Excellence.
Shohei Ohtani hits single in 1st major-league at-bat
Sure, Ohtani's performance at the plate and on the mound left much to be desired in spring training. Still, you have to be excited when the 23-year-old two-way player slashes a single in his first regular-season game.
Anthony Rizzo hits emotional home run in return to Florida
A touching moment from Opening Day saw Rizzo, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., honor the students who lost their lives in the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas high school on Feb. 14. On top of hitting a home run, the Cubs first baseman donned the school's t-shirt prior to the game and wore a patch on his jersey.
Orioles win eighth straight Opening Day game thanks to Adam Jones' walk-off
Unfortunately for the Orioles' ace-in-the-making Dylan Bundy, who was brilliant on Thursday, Zach Britton Brad Brach blew a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth. Cue Jones for redemption.
Eduardo Nunez manages rare inside-the-park HR
Inside-the-park home runs are fun because it's like seeing a teacher outside of school, or a dog walk on its hind legs. It's even better when one takes place on Opening Day. Thanks, Nunez.
Craig Gentry flashes the leather, robs HR with wall-scraping catch
The first set of games proved largely uneventful on the defensive end, so when Gentry made this catch, the baseball world rejoiced. With Bundy's impeccable start, Gentry's web gem, and Jones' walk-off, Orioles fans must be satisfied.
Nick Markakis hits first walk-off in 12-year career
Speaking of walk-offs, one 12-year veteran managed to hit one for the first time in his career. A three-run shot off the bat of Markakis ended a fun Opening Day game in Atlanta. Oh, and Freddie Freeman was at his best.
HEADLINES
- FAA investigating Rockies after 'unauthorized person' enters cockpit on flight
- Peralta to lead Brewers to win over Cardinals
- Pirates' Chapman drops appeal, will serve 1-game suspension Friday
- Webb dominant for 7 innings as Giants blank D-Backs
- Anderson: White Sox didn't 'want to win it' when I played there