Takeaways from the MLB’s 2024 Opening Day
Baseball is officially back! The long 162-game regular season is finally upon us with many teams looking to prove their championship case on the very first matchup of the new season. A few teams showed their offensive talents and the potential damage they can bring to opposing pitchers on a daily basis, while some other teams already need a reset, after a miserable first day. There is a ton of drama left to unfold this 2024 season, but let’s take a look at some takeaways from the very first game of the season for most teams around the league.
The Baltimore Orioles Have the Best Shot in Winning the AL East Once Again
During their first game of the regular season, the Baltimore Orioles proved a point against a weakened Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ball club. The O’s new ace Corbin Burnes pitched a solid six innings, allowing one run, a home run from Mike Trout, and striking out 11 batters in an 11-3 win. Both and Cedric Mullins homered. Santander collected four RBIs while hitting his two-run home run during the bottom of the fourth inning, while Mullins crushed a three-run homer to center field during the bottom of the seventh. Baltimore’s pitching was solid, as they gave up three runs on just two hits. They have another possibility this season to win the AL East division, especially with Burnes as their ace.
The Cincinnati Reds; An NL Wild Card Team?
Even though they played the Washington Nationals, the Cincinnati Reds dominated in an 8-2 win. Reds designated hitter Nick Martini collected two home runs and five RBIs during the win. Cincinnati’s Opening Day starter Frankie Montas pitched six innings, allowing just four hits, while striking out four batters. This Cincinnati Reds squad is young and hungry plus they’re looking to prove a point. The NL Central division is certainly up for grabs this season, and this is the Reds opportunity to take advantage. If they can obtain a ton of wins early on this season, that will be huge for Cincinnati when they come down the stretch of the long tedious season.
The Colorado Rockies Might Be the Worst Team in the MLB for A Second Straight Season
Last night, the Colorado Rockies looked to prove a point after putting up a franchise-worst of 103 losses during the 2023 season. Well, the Rockies certainly proved a point but for all the wrong reasons. Colorado was down 2-1 heading into the bottom of the third inning against last year’s National League champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona put up a 14-run inning where they batted around the order twice. Rockies Opening Day starter Kyle Freeland threw 59 pitches during that bottom half of the third, giving up ten runs in just two and one-third innings. This 14-run inning by the Diamondbacks sets not only a franchise record but multiple MLB records. The worst loss for the Rockies in their Opening Day history was back in 2014 when they lost 10-1 to the Miami Marlins. Well, the Rockies certainly topped that loss with this embarrassing performance they put up last night. If this Rockies offense can’t get going, be on the lookout for this team to be one of if not the worst team in the MLB in 2024.
