The Baltimore Orioles started their 2025 MLB season with a historic display of power, crushing the Toronto Blue Jays 12-2 at Rogers Centre on Opening Day. The Orioles set a new franchise Opening Day record by launching six home runs, overwhelming Toronto’s pitching staff and making a strong statement to open the season.
Home Run Barrage Sets Franchise Record
Baltimore’s offensive explosion was led by Adley Rutschman and Cedric Mullins, who each hit two home runs. Rutschman got things started with a towering 436-foot solo shot in the first inning, setting the tone for what would be a record-breaking night. Mullins followed with a three-run blast in the fourth inning and added a solo shot in the seventh, finishing the game with five RBIs.
Newly acquired outfielder Tyler O’Neill also made his presence felt immediately. In the third inning, he crushed a three-run homer, extending his MLB record to six consecutive Opening Days with a home run. O’Neill’s streak, which began in 2020, places him in elite company and highlights his ability to deliver on baseball’s biggest stage. Jordan Westburg capped off the Orioles’ power surge with a solo homer in the eighth inning.
“We came out ready to play,” Rutschman said after the game. “Everyone was locked in, and the way we swung the bats tonight was special. It’s a great way to start the season.”
Zach Eflin Shines on the Mound
While the Orioles’ offense stole the headlines, their pitching was just as dominant. Zach Eflin, making his first Opening Day start for Baltimore, delivered a stellar performance. The right-hander pitched six strong innings, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out six batters. His only blemish came in the fourth inning when Andrés Giménez connected for a two-run homer, briefly cutting Baltimore’s lead.
Eflin, who signed a multi-year deal with Baltimore in the offseason, was pleased with his performance. “The key was keeping the ball down and attacking the strike zone,” Eflin said. “When the offense gives you that kind of run support, it makes your job a lot easier.”
Blue Jays’ Struggles Continue
For the Blue Jays, it was a rough start to the season. Their pitching staff was unable to contain Baltimore’s relentless offense, and their own lineup struggled to generate momentum. Toronto’s ace, Kevin Gausman, lasted just 4.1 innings, surrendering five earned runs, including three home runs. The bullpen fared no better, giving up additional long balls that put the game completely out of reach.
Manager John Schneider acknowledged the poor performance but remained optimistic. “We got punched in the mouth today,” Schneider said. “But it’s a long season, and we’ll bounce back. We have to clean up some things, especially on the pitching side.”
Historical Significance
The Orioles’ six home runs shattered their previous Opening Day record of four, which had been set in 1982 and matched in 2006. It also marked the first time the franchise hit six home runs in a game since July 9, 2023.
Additionally, O’Neill’s six-game Opening Day home run streak places him closer to some of the all-time career leaders. Only legends like Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., and Frank Robinson, who each have eight career Opening Day homers, are ahead of him.
“This is something special,” O’Neill said. “Opening Day has always been a big deal for me, and to be able to deliver consistently on this day is pretty cool.”
Looking Ahead
With this dominant victory, the Orioles are looking to carry their momentum into the rest of the series against Toronto and beyond. They will face the Blue Jays again on Friday, March 28, with Kyle Bradish set to take the mound for Baltimore against Toronto’s Chris Bassitt.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the Orioles can maintain their offensive firepower as the season progresses. If Opening Day was any indication, Baltimore could be in for a very exciting season.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, will need to make quick adjustments to avoid an early-season slump. Their ability to bounce back in Game 2 of the series will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of their campaign.
As the MLB season kicks off, one thing is clear: the Orioles mean business in 2025.
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