Cedric Mullins delivered an outstanding performance with two home runs and a run-scoring single, accumulating a total of five RBIs as the Baltimore Orioles dominated the Toronto Blue Jays 12-2 during Major League Baseball’s opening day.
Tyler O’Neill, hailing from Burnaby, B.C., smashed a three-run homer in the third inning, contributing to Baltimore’s swift establishment of a six-run lead. Adley Rutschman also showcased his power with a solo home run in the first inning and a two-run shot in the eighth, followed immediately by Jordan Westburg’s home run.
Pitcher Zach Eflin (1-0) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk, striking out two batters over six strong innings. The Orioles’ bullpen, featuring Seranthony Dominguez, Keegan Akin, and Bryan Baker, combined for three scoreless innings.
Toronto’s Andres Gimenez managed to break through Eflin’s defense with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, driving in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the Blue Jays’ first run.
Jose Berrios (0-1) struggled through five innings, giving up six runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out five batters. The Blue Jays’ bullpen, comprising Richard Lovelady, Jacob Barnes, Chad Green, Yariel Rodriguez, and Nick Sandlin, allowed an additional six runs over four innings.
During the U.S. national anthem, some Blue Jays fans expressed their discontent with scattered boos. The boos were audible as the anthem was performed by a 40-person ensemble from the local production of “The Lion King.” However, the atmosphere shifted to cheers and singing during the rendition of “O Canada,” with the crowd joining in with the cast as the Canadian armed forces displayed a giant Canadian flag in the outfield.
This reaction to the U.S. anthem mirrors previous instances seen at hockey, basketball, and wrestling events in Canada, attributed to political tensions and suggestions from American President Donald Trump. Blue Jays manager John Schneider, a native of Princeton, N.J., acknowledged the potential for boos and emphasized the team’s focus on the game rather than external distractions.
Both teams had anticipated the reaction and prepared their players accordingly. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised the team’s communication and readiness for any possible fan responses.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, a member of the Blue Jays’ 1993 World Series-winning team, before the start of the game. A message encouraging respectful behavior during the anthems was broadcast over the ballpark’s public address system, highlighting baseball as a traditional sanctuary from political tensions.
The history of booing the U.S. anthem at Rogers Centre was revisited, with previous instances noted during events like the “Elimination Chamber” by World Wrestling Entertainment.
