Orioles Set Franchise Record with Six Opening Day Home Runs

The Baltimore Orioles made a stunning start to their 2025 season, routing the Toronto Blue Jays 12-2 on Opening Day. The Orioles set a franchise record with six home runs, led by Tyler O’Neill’s three-run home run, extending his major league record to six consecutive Opening Day homers.

Key Performances and Records

Adley Rutschman and Cedric Mullins both homered twice, while Jordan Westburg also contributed with a home run. This power display surpassed the Orioles’ previous record of four Opening Day home runs set in 1982 and 2006.

O’Neill went 3 for 3, walked twice, and scored three times, showcasing his dominance at the plate.

Zach Eflin’s Dominant Pitching

Zach Eflin had a standout performance, allowing only two hits in six innings. He retired the first 10 batters before walking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the fourth inning. Two batters later, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run home run, Toronto’s first hit.

Jose Berríos Struggles on the Mound

Making his fifth Opening Day start and third with the Blue Jays, José Berríos allowed six runs and nine hits in five innings. This was a tough outing for Berríos, who has faced the Orioles multiple times in his career.

Notable Mentions

Toronto’s Anthony Santander went 0 for 4 against his former team. Santander signed a five-year deal with the club in January. The Blue Jays had their franchise-record streak of season-opening wins snapped at five.

O’Neill made it 4-0 with a two-out drive in the third. His streak of Opening Day homers began with St. Louis in 2020.

Eflin, who started Game 1 of the 2024 season for Tampa Bay, became just the second pitcher since 1939 to make back-to-back Opening Day starts for different teams. The other was Madison Bumgarner, who started on Opening Day for San Francisco in 2019 and Arizona in 2020.

Upcoming Match

Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman faces his former team for the eighth time on Friday night. He’s 2-4 with a 4.75 ERA against Baltimore. RHP Charlie Morton starts for the Orioles.

FAQ

What is Tyler O’Neill’s Opening Day home run record?

Tyler O’Neill has hit a home run on Opening Day for six consecutive years, a major league record.

How many home runs did the Orioles hit on Opening Day?

The Orioles hit a franchise-record six home runs on Opening Day.

Who are the key performers for the Orioles?

Adley Rutschman, Cedric Mullins, and Jordan Westburg all homered twice, while Tyler O’Neill went 3 for 3 with three runs scored.

Did You Know?

Zach Eflin is the second pitcher since 1939 to make back-to-back Opening Day starts for different teams, following Madison Bumgarner.

Pro Tips

For pitchers like Eflin, maintaining a strong start and minimizing walks can set the tone for the entire game. For hitters like O’Neill, consistency and power at the plate are key to early-season success.

Reader Questions

What do you think will be the key to the Orioles’ success this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Summary

The Baltimore Orioles kicked off their 2025 season with a bang, setting a franchise record with six Opening Day home runs. Tyler O’Neill’s historic performance and Zach Eflin’s dominant pitching were the highlights of the game. The Orioles’ power display and Eflin’s efficiency on the mound bode well for their season ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and analysis from 247sports.news!