Opening day is here and it did not disappoint. Big things happening in New York. Some real aces struggling. Plus early overreactions.
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1. The Yankees looked smooth today
Aaron Judge took one at-bat to get into the home run column, quickly picking up where he left off last season. Gleyber Torres who was dangled in trade talks in the offseason also homered. Gerrit Cole kept the ball out of the zone and dominated the Giants’ veteran lineup. It was quite a pitching matching and only the 3rd time that two starters had double-digit Ks on Opening Day since 1901 (source YES Network). Anthony Volpe was able to walk and already has a stolen base. Even with a hampered lineup, it seems the Yanks will be a favorite to make it to the fall classic.
2. The Mets were able to handle Sandy
In a matchup of former Cy Young winners, the Mets were able to get the best of Sandy Alcantara and pick up their first win of the season. Sandy gave up an unusual amount of walks with four. Six of the starting nine Mets were able to pick up hits and the Mets controlled the majority of the game. With Verlander to the IL, it should be noted that Tylor Megill will be called up to take his spot in the rotation.
3. Aces didn’t go completely wild today
While some aces were able to pitch well like Dylan Cease and Shane McClanahan, there were many more that struggled. Jacob deGrom struggled in his debut for the Rangers and never really looked comfortable. deGrom’s counterpart Aaron Nola also struggled, not even making it to the 4th inning. It will be interesting to see him bounce back as the kids’ gloves will likely be on Jake. Corbin Burnes had trouble against, let’s face it, not a very scary Cubs lineup while picking up the loss today. Hunter Greene was a strikeout machine before the Pirates were able to get to him. Alek Manoah made it to just the 3rd inning while getting hit around with an 85-pitch count before inning four.
Wild predictions
While it’s only day one, we do have a few things to look forward to. The Orioles can really hit. Every bat was lively, and a team that has been a dark horse to make it over the hump really looks like they will be able to hit with most teams. Any team in the National League Central can win the division. That includes the Pirates with their young core. My last prediction is Pablo Lopez with the change of scenery will be in the discussion for the AL Cy young this year.
Happy Opening Day!!!!