Bats Explode in Toronto: Orioles Set Opening Day Record in 12-2 Win

Opening Day is one of the best days of the year as a baseball fan. A new season brings new storylines and every club starts at a level playing field. The 2024 Orioles season ended in disappointment, and it was a long 6 month wait for baseball to come back. Game 1 was nearly perfect for the Orioles. They jumped on Jose Berrios early with a solo shot by Adley Rutshcman, then a 1-2-3 first for starter Zach Eflin. Baltimore never looked back, punishing mistakes by Blue Jays pitchers. The Baby Birds set a franchise record with 6 home runs on opening day. 14 hits on the day meant everyone was having fun. It’s going to be a long season, and the games don’t get much better than this one. The Orioles will go as far as their fearsome lineup can take them this season. They put the rest of MLB on notice by hanging a 12-piece on Toronto to ruin their home opener.

Adley Rutschman and Cedric Mullins Both Hit 2 Home Runs

Rutschman and Mullins are key cogs in the Orioles machine. These guys are tone setters who can lead this team to great things. When they are both seeing the ball well, this offense is one of the best in MLB, as seen today with 6 hits and 8 RBI combined. Adley’s disappointing second half last year caused concern among fans, but a solid spring and 2 blasts will shake off the rust. Rutschman crushed two home runs over the Orioles bullpen in right field, both over 400 feet and 105 MPH off the bat. Mullins looked like the all-star he was during his 30/30 season in 2021. He hit two bombs and showed off his speed by beating out the pitcher for an infield single. Hopefully, this game gives them a confidence boost on their way to the all-star game and beyond.

Tyler O’Neill Sets MLB Record in Perfect Start With Birdland

“Popeye” clearly eats his spinach before Opening Day every year. O’Neill extended his own MLB record by becoming the first player in baseball history to hit a home run in 6 consecutive opening day games. O’Neill did it all today, going 3 for 3 at the plate with 2 singles and 2 walks, and he flashed the leather on a hard-hit ball to the right field fence. Something about Opening Day turns T.O. into a destroyer of baseballs. He delivered exactly what the Orioles needed. And the guy he was replacing in the outfield, Anthony Santander, went 0-4 at the plate in his Toronto debut.

Zach Eflin Deals, Bullpen Shuts Down Toronto

The offense was the star of the show today, but don’t sleep on those pitchers. Zach Eflin went 6 strong innings on an efficient 78 pitches in his first start on Opening Day. He got ahead early and often against hitters. He had one mistake pitch that Andres Gimenez looped over the right field wall for a 2-run homer, but that was all the Jays could muster against Eflin. He has been electric since coming over in a trade from Tampa Bay last season, and Zach picked up right where he left off. He might have to be the ace of this staff in 2025, and so far he’s up to task. The Orioles could save their big bullpen arms for the future, but they got some encouraging performances from their relievers. Seranthony Dominguez was wild throughout spring training, and he started the 7th a little out of sorts. Dominguez allowed 2 quick runners, but he was able to get out a jam with a double play and an infield pop-up. After being a closer for Baltimore down the stretch last year, Dominguez will have to string some good performances together before he is trusted in crunch time. For now, it was good to see him figure stuff out on the mound. He is always going to be a handful when he can throw 99 MPH. Keegan Akin and Bryan Baker each threw a scoreless inning to start the year off on the right foot. Two veteran pitchers from the O’s lean years, it is great to see them have success and be part of a winning culture that is gaining momentum. Baker wasn’t expected to make the team when camp opened, but some impressive performances were rewarded with a roster spot after Andrew Kittredge went on the IL to have knee surgery.Akin had an excellent 2024 as probably the Orioles best reliever after some up and down years previously. He will look to build on that success in 2025, as the Orioles try to make the playoffs for a third straight year.

Enjoy this win Birdland, and here’s to 161 more games, and just maybe 161 more wins!