The New York Yankees kicked off their Opening Day series against the Milwaukee Brewers in style on March 27, 2025, showcasing a blend of youthful energy and historical moments at Yankee Stadium. The excitement was palpable as fans filled the stands, eager to witness the start of a new season.
Leading the charge was Austin Wells, making history as the first Yankees catcher to bat leadoff on Opening Day. Wells wasted no time in proving his worth, crushing a solo home run off Brewers righty Freddy Peralta. The ball soared 348 feet at a blistering speed of 103.7 mph, marking a thrilling start for the home team. "Well(s) that was quick 💥 The first #OpeningDay home run comes off the bat of Austin Wells 💪" tweeted MLB, capturing the moment perfectly.
Just an inning later, the Yankees' shortstop Anthony Volpe followed suit, hitting a solo home run of his own that traveled 373 feet. This impressive shot extended the Yankees' lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the second inning, further energizing the crowd. "Anthony Volpe goes yard on #OpeningDay 😤" was the enthusiastic response from MLB, highlighting the young star's contribution.
As the game progressed, the Yankees maintained their lead, but the Brewers weren't going down without a fight. In the third inning, Vinny Capra hit a solo home run, narrowing the score to 2-1. However, the Yankees quickly responded, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Yankees' manager Aaron Boone had expressed confidence in his roster prior to the game, acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries but also emphasizing the potential of his young players. "We have questions, but we think we have answers too," Boone stated, setting the tone for the season.
Wells' historic leadoff home run not only made him the first catcher in MLB history to achieve this feat on Opening Day but also underscored his growing importance in the Yankees' lineup. Boone praised Wells, noting, "He homered his first [spring] plate appearance as a leadoff hitter, so that helped ease the transition a little bit. I think the world of Austin as a player. I think he’s going to become one of the really good two-way catchers in the league, and I think he’s ready to do that right now." This sentiment reflects the Yankees' hope that Wells can consistently deliver at the plate, especially in the absence of some key players.
Volpe, a close friend of Wells, also played a crucial role in the game. Batting seventh, his performance was a strong indication that he is ready to step up this season. With the Yankees missing several key players, including the recently traded Juan Soto, the onus is on young hitters like Wells and Volpe to carry the team.
On the mound, Carlos Rodón delivered a solid performance, allowing just one earned run over 5.1 innings while striking out seven batters. His ability to control the game with a newly-revived sinker was vital for the Yankees, especially in the absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Rodón's day ended after a 10-pitch battle with Rhys Hoskins, but he left the game with the Yankees in a strong position.
As the game continued, the Yankees added to their lead in the seventh inning. Aaron Judge hit a grounder that bounced off the third base bag and into left field, allowing Ben Rice to score. The Yankees' lead was further extended when Oswaldo Cabrera scored on a sacrifice fly from newcomer Cody Bellinger. These runs proved crucial as the Brewers' closer Devin Williams, making his debut with the Yankees, faced some challenges but managed to limit the damage.
With the Yankees leading 4-2, the excitement of Opening Day was palpable, and fans were left eager for what the rest of the season would bring. The Yankees and Brewers will enjoy an off day on Friday before returning to action on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Max Fried is set to make his Yankees debut after signing an eight-year, $218 million deal, while Nestor Cortes will start for the Brewers, marking his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since being traded.
Fried expressed his excitement about the upcoming game, stating, "I’m really excited to get out there for the first time," while Cortes reflected on his return, saying, "I want to see where I line up with those guys and hopefully go out there and throw five shutout innings." This adds another layer of intrigue to the series, as both teams look to build momentum early in the season.
As the Yankees celebrate their historic Opening Day victory, the stage is set for a thrilling season ahead. With young stars like Wells and Volpe stepping into the spotlight, fans can expect plenty of excitement as the team aims to reclaim its place at the top of the league.
