The long wait for Opening Day is finally over! For most fans, it feels like Christmas, a birthday, and Super Bowl Sunday combined. So many people have traditions such as wearing your favorite jersey to work, certain snacks set for the day (mine are churros), and as many screens showing as many games as possible. Bets are in place for the first home run of the day. Opening Day is truly one of the happiest days every year.
Enough romanticizing baseball, it’s time to review what MLB news you should know.
A few games were postponed due to the April showers. The New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox game as well as the Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins will both be played today now.
Cubs vs. Brewers
The Cubs and Brewers started the day. Chicago Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner had the first home run for the 2022 season, bringing in Jason Heyward as well in the fifth inning. The Cubs won 5-4.
The first home run of the season belongs to @nico_hoerner! pic.twitter.com/eb2MnP8j8k
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 7, 2022
Royals vs. Guardians
The Kansas City Royals faced the Cleveland Guardians and won 3-1. The Royals had a historical day with their starters. Bobby Witt Jr., 21, got the start and became the youngest ever to debut on Opening Day. On the opposite end, Zack Greinke is the oldest pitcher to start for the Royals on Opening Day.
Cardinals vs. Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a rough start to the season, and not just because they were shut out 9-0 by the St. Louis Cardinals. It was announced that Ke’Bryan Hayes would be signing a contract extension for eight years at $70 million, pending a physical. This contract is the largest in Pirates’ history.
Not long after the deal was reported, Hayes exited the season opener in the first inning after appearing to injure his wrist while diving for a ball at third base. The injury appears to be minor and Hayes is day-to-day.
Ke'Bryan Hayes is coming out of the game after a possible injurypic.twitter.com/vT1QxD69z0
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) April 7, 2022
Albert Pujols received a standing ovation upon his return to St. Louis. Other very noteworthy moments from the game: Adam Wainwright pitched six scoreless innings and Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run homer to drive in five for the game.
.@PujolsFive is back home. #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/TtfS8wklGM
— MLB (@MLB) April 7, 2022
Nationals vs. Mets
Nearly four hours after the scheduled start time, the Washington Nationals faced the New York Mets. The first run came from James McCann’s hit by pitch, forcing a run in from a bases-loaded situation. McCann was once again hit by a pitch in the sixth inning. And if two hit by pitches were not enough, Pete Alonso took a scary hit to the shoulder in the ninth.
But the real highlight of the game was Tylor Megill’s stunning performance on the mound. Not only was he able to improve his velocity (sitting steady at 94.8 in 2021), but threw a four-seam fastball at 99.1 mph. Megill pitched for five innings and only allowed three hits. The Mets beat the Nationals 5-1.
Reds vs. Atlanta
The Cincinnati Reds defeated Atlanta 6-3 despite a phenomenal outing by Spencer Strider, who had five strikeouts in two innings.
Tik-Tok dancer and first basemen Joey Votto also inquired about getting a diamond tooth.
Votto asking Albies if he should get a diamond tooth. pic.twitter.com/K0PPqFnyWF
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2022
Astros vs. Angels
The Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Angels 3-1. However, Shohei Ohtani still dazzled viewers with a great outing on the mound followed by the chance to hit.
Shohei Ohtani’s final line pitching: 4.2 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts, 51 strikes on 80 pitches. His fastball has been 98-100 with significant cut all night. Curve was excellent, too.
And now he still gets to hit because the Shohei Ohtani Rule is awesome.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 8, 2022
Padres vs. Diamondbacks
Yu Darvish started for the San Diego Padres going scoreless in six innings, reaching 92 pitches. The Padres were up by two when Darvish exited. Craig Stammen allowed one run, but Robert Suarez would walk two, hit Carson Kelly, throw some wild pitches and allow rookie Seth Beer to walk-off a three-run home run. In a fun little twist, April 7 happens to be National Beer Day. The Arizona Diamondbacks eked out a win of 4-2.
BEER! #walkoff pic.twitter.com/aD4tEfjOex
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2022
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)