Baseball is back in Toronto, but the excitement of opening day quickly turned to disappointment for Blue Jays fans as their team fell to the Baltimore Orioles 12-2 in their home opener at Rogers Centre on March 27, 2025. After a promising spring training where the Jays finished with the best Grapefruit League record, hopes were high for a strong start to the regular season.
The first pitch, thrown by José Berrios for the second consecutive year, was at 3:07 p.m. However, the game quickly slipped away from Toronto as the Orioles established an early lead. By the top of the third inning, Baltimore was already ahead 5-0, and they continued to pile on the runs throughout the game.
As the game progressed, the Jays struggled to find their footing. The Orioles extended their lead to 6-0 by the fourth inning and by the seventh inning, they had pushed the score to 9-2. The final blow came when pitcher Yariel Rodriguez allowed three runs in the eighth inning, including a one-run homer and a two-run homer, sealing the Jays' fate. This loss marked the first time Toronto has lost its home opener since the mid-season Covid opener in 2021.
In a brief moment of hope for the Blue Jays, second baseman Andrés Giménez scored the team’s first run in the fourth inning, bringing the score to 6-1. Giménez, who is in his first season with the Jays after joining from the Cleveland Guardians, showcased his potential with this crucial hit. However, it was not enough to spark a comeback.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the opening day festivities brought some joy to the fans. Former Blue Jays player Kevin Kiermaier returned to Rogers Centre to throw the ceremonial first pitch, receiving a warm welcome from the crowd. Kiermaier, who played 211 games with Toronto, was a fan favorite, known for his elite center-field defense and for winning the 2023 AL Gold Glove. He is now a special assistant with the team, focusing on coaching defense.
Before the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider addressed the media, reflecting on the team's tumultuous previous season, where they finished with a disappointing 74-88 record. Schneider emphasized the importance of moving forward and starting fresh, saying, "Do you have, you know, a little bit of a chip on your shoulder after last year? I think you have that every year...they're just looking forward to getting off on the right foot today." Pitcher Kevin Gausman echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for the new season.
As fans settled into their seats, they were treated to a lively atmosphere, with the Toronto-based cast of Disney’s “The Lion King” performing the national anthems. However, this year’s rendition of the U.S. anthem was met with some booing from the crowd, a trend that has emerged in response to political tensions. CTV News Toronto’s Laura Sebben noted that the booing was less pronounced than in past events, indicating perhaps a shift in the crowd’s sentiment.
In the lead-up to the game, excitement was palpable among fans. As the doors opened at 1:00 p.m., supporters filled the stadium, eager to see their team take the field. One young fan from Vancouver exclaimed, "I’m really excited to be here. I came here all the way from Vancouver to watch the Jays opening day. Let’s go!"
The Blue Jays also unveiled their opening day roster, featuring Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in key positions. Guerrero Jr., who is reportedly seeking a 14-year deal worth $500 million, is in the final year of his contract, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season ahead.
With a seven-game homestand starting with this opener, the Blue Jays have plenty of opportunities to turn their season around. Jessica Wood, the director of promotions for the Jays, mentioned that fans would receive toques as a giveaway on opening day, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Despite the loss, there are reasons for optimism as the season unfolds. TSN’s Matt Cauz highlighted the potential of the 2025 lineup, pointing to Guerrero Jr. and Bichette as key players who could have standout seasons. As the Jays look to bounce back from this rough start, the hope is that they can build on their spring training success and turn the tide in the coming games.
As the Blue Jays regroup after this disappointing opener, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds in their next matchups. With the talent on the roster and the support of their dedicated fanbase, there’s still plenty of hope for a successful season ahead.
