TORONTO (AP) — Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run home run, extending his major league record by homering for a sixth straight opening day, and the Baltimore Orioles hit a franchise record six opening day home runs to rout the Blue Jays 12-2 on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Adley Rutschman and Cedric Mullins both homered twice, and Jordan Westburg also connected in Baltimore’s biggest ever opening day power display.
The Orioles, who had previously hit four opening day homers in 1982 and 2006, started the game with a bang. O’Neill, who went 3 for 3, walked twice and scored three times, made it 4-0 with a two-out drive in the third inning. His opening day home run streak began with St. Louis in 2020, and he has now taken sole possession of the record.
Zach Eflin (1-0) was stellar on the mound, allowing only two hits in six innings. He retired the first 10 batters he faced before walking Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the fourth inning. Two batters later, Andrés Giménez hit a two-run home run, marking Toronto’s first hit of the game. Eflin’s performance was impressive, as he became just the second pitcher since 1939 to make back-to-back opening day starts for different teams, following Madison Bumgarner.
On the other side of the diamond, José Berríos (0-1) struggled, allowing six runs and nine hits in five innings. The Blue Jays' Anthony Santander went 0 for 4 against his former team, having signed a five-year deal with the club in January.
Despite the loss, the Blue Jays had entered the game with a franchise-record streak of five consecutive season-opening wins, which was snapped on Thursday. The key moment came when O’Neill hit his three-run blast, solidifying Baltimore's lead early on.
O’Neill's home run was not just a personal triumph but a historic moment for the franchise. He became the first Orioles player to have five plate appearances on Opening Day and reach base in all five, hitting a home run, singling three times, and drawing two walks.
The Orioles’ offensive display was remarkable, showcasing their power and depth. Rutschman kicked things off with a no-doubter to right-center field that traveled an impressive 436 feet in the first inning. Mullins added to the tally with two home runs, one in the sixth and another in the eighth, while Rutschman hit his second of the day in the eighth as well. Westburg capped off the scoring with his first home run of the season during the same inning.
After Eflin’s solid start, the Orioles’ bullpen took over, featuring Seranthony Dominguez, Keegan Akin, and Bryan Baker, who combined to shut down the Blue Jays without allowing any runs.
As the season progresses, the Orioles will hope to maintain this level of performance. Both skipper Brandon Hyde and general manager Mike Elias had expressed a desire to incorporate more small-ball tactics this season, a stark contrast to the explosive offensive display seen on Thursday. If this is the version of the Orioles that will show up throughout the 2025 campaign, they could emerge as one of the best teams in the division and in all of Major League Baseball.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will be facing a familiar foe as right-hander Kevin Gausman takes the mound against his former team for the eighth time on Friday night. Gausman has a 2-4 record with a 4.75 ERA against the Orioles, while Baltimore will counter with right-hander Charlie Morton.
With the season just beginning, fans are eager to see how both teams will adapt and perform in the coming games. The Orioles have made a strong statement with their opening day performance, and they’ll be looking to carry this momentum forward as they aim for a successful season.
