Harmon’s Top 10 For Opening Day 2014

Posted by Harmon on April 1, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Harmon’s Top 10 Opening Day Hits For 2014: Harmon’s Top 10 Opening Day Hits For 2014

You can debate whether Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season has been watered down. I know. There are multiple days tagged as “Opening Day,” but hasn’t that been the case forever? When you look at HOME openers, we usually go two weeks deep.

Well, Monday included the first large slate of games for 2014. I’m loading up 10 moments/figures from Opening Day.

* In the interest of your senses, I’ve omitted the Don Baylor injury.
Trout Homers In His First At-Bat: Trout Homers In His First At-Bat

Trout celebrated the signing of his contract extension with a two-run home run off of Seattle ace Felix Hernandez. It was one of few highlights in a rough night for the Angels that included Don Baylor’s leg injury and, ultimately, a 10-3 loss.
Jose Fernandez Fanned Nine Against Colorado: Jose Fernandez Fanned Nine Against Colorado

Marlins starter Jose Fernandez started his second season with a fantastic effort against the Rockies. Fernandez allowed one run on five hits (a solo home run from Carlos Gonzalez) with nine strikeouts.
Buster Posey Hit What Proved To Be A Game-Winning HR: Buster Posey Hit What Proved To Be A Game-Winning HR

Buster Posey crushed what proved to be a game-winning two-run home run off of Addison Reed of the Diamondbacks to break a 7-7 tie. The Giants emerged victorious by a count of 9-8.
Adam Wainwright Shut Down The Reds: Adam Wainwright Shut Down The Reds

Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright shut out the Reds over seven innings, allowing three hits and four walks while fanning nine.
Nelson Cruz Impresses The Baltimore Faithful: Nelson Cruz Impresses The Baltimore Faithful

Ryan Braun’s ovation in Milwaukee received ample play in radioland and the 24-hour news cycle. Cruz hit the field for Baltimore and slammed a solo home run in the Orioles’ 2-1 win over Boston.
The Brewers Won Behind Yovani Gallardo: The Brewers Won Behind Yovani Gallardo

The standing ovation given to Ryan Braun by the Milwaukee faithful got the headlines. Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo owned the day with six shutout innings, scattering four hits and two walks against four strikeouts. It was one of four shutouts in Major League Baseball on Monday.
Walk-er Off In 1-0 Pirates Win: Walk-er Off In 1-0 Pirates Win

Neil Walker hit a 10th-inning home run to give the Pirates a 1-0 victory over the Cubs in a game that featured the first replay review of the 2014 season.
Rollins Hit A Grand Slam In An Arlington Slugfest: Rollins Hit A Grand Slam In An Arlington Slugfest

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was rumored to be feuding with first-year manager Ryne Sandberg during spring training. Rollins hit a grand slam, the 200th home run of his career, early in Philadelphia’s 14-10 win over the Rangers.
Hawk Harrelson’s New Man-Crush Debuted In Chicago: Hawk Harrelson’s New Man-Crush Debuted In Chicago

Jose Abreu received ample headlines during spring training, and comparisons to former White Sox slugger Frank Thomas occurred frequently. On Monday Abreu rapped out two hits, including a double and a single, and his plate presence and power had Ken “Hawk” Harrelson gushing on Opening Day.
Jose Reyes Was Put On The DL Because Of A Hamstring Injury: Jose Reyes Was Put On The DL Because Of A Hamstring Injury

Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes didn’t even take the field in Monday’s loss to Tampa Bay. Reyes flew out to Desmond Jennings in the first inning and left the game with a hamstring injury. He was placed on the disabled list on Monday afternoon.