Opening day proved to be as exciting as everyone expected. Home runs were hit, pitchers were dealing and rivalries were renewed. The first game of the day belonged to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Boston came into New York and blew CC Sabathia out of the water. That was only the beginning to an exciting day worth of baseball.
Looking back at all the games, some players stood out above the rest. This list will include the eight hitters and pitchers who performed admirably on opening day.
8. Ian Kennedy Starting Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
Kennedy opened the season impressively, throwing seven innings of five-hit baseball. He allowed only two runs and was able to fan eight. He is now 1-0 on the season and looks to continue his dominance in his next start.
7. Chris Iannetta Catcher, Los Angeles Angels
The hero of this extra innings game between the Angels and Reds goes to Iannetta. He racked up two hits in six at bats along with driving in three RBIs. The most important part of his three runs batted in was when he got them. It was the 13th inning and he drove in two, becoming the hero of game one for the Angels.
6. Gerardo Parra Left Fielder, Arizona Diamondbacks
What a day the left fielder for the D’Backs had! Parra went 4-5, racking up three doubles and scoring one run. Sure, he didn’t drive in three or four runs, but when a guy gets on base four times in one game you can’t ignore it. If he can be a reliable leadoff hitter the Diamondbacks will have one less thing to worry about.
5. Jacoby Ellsbury Center Fielder, Boston Red Sox
Ellsbury had a case of the injury bug in 2012 and hopes to put those days behind him. If Monday was any sign of things to come, Sox' fans have a lot to be excited about. He went 3-6, driving in two while scoring one himself. Most consider Ellsbury one of the best, if not the best player on this team. Having an opening day game like this has to get the blood pumping in Red Sox nation.
4. Felix Hernandez Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
King Felix was looking just like you expect a Cy Young pitcher to pitch on Monday night. He pitched seven and two-third innings of three hit baseball. During this time he struck out eight Oakland Athletics and didn’t allow a single run. The bullpen finished the game off, giving Hernandez and the Mariners their first win.
3. Freddie Freeman First Basemen, Atlanta Braves
The six, five giant that is Freddie Freeman dominated once again. He went three for four with a two run blast and drove in three total runs on the day. Some had questions about his eye issues but everything seemed alright. If Freeman can stay healthy you might just be looking at the most lethal first basemen in the NL.
2. Bryce Harper Outfielder, Washington Nationals
The 20-year-old phenom showed everyone why there is so much hype around this kid. In his first two at bats of the regular season Harper hit not one, but two home runs. They were both solo shots and ended up being the only runs scored in the entire game. Nationals fans and fantasy owners alike have to be excited to see what is in store for the rest of his season.
1. Clayton Kershaw Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
The star of opening day sure had one hell of a game. Kershaw pitched a complete game shutout and only allowed four hits while doing so. He managed to strike out seven in this game as well. Hold on though, this isn’t even the coolest part. It was the eighth inning and Kershaw was coming to bat. The game was tied at zero and the Dodgers needed a spark. Kershaw proceeded to crush one to deep center field, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. The rest is history as the Dodgers went on to win 4-0, making Kershaw the obvious hero of the day.