Mets best Nationals in pitching duel
Robinson Cano homered in his debut at-bat for the Mets then added a late RBI single, Jacob deGrom outpitched Max Scherzer as each struck out at least 10 in a sterling matchup between the winners of the past three NL Cy Young Awards, and visiting New York edged the Bryce Harper-less Washington Nationals 2-0 in the opener for both teams Thursday.
A day after signing a $137.5 million, five-year contract, deGrom (1-0) compiled 10 strikeouts with one walk and five hits in six innings, setting a major league record with his 30th consecutive start allowing three runs or fewer. The lanky righty topped runner-up Scherzer in Cy Young voting last season — and got the better of him in the win and run columns on this day.
Phillies 10, Braves 4: Bryce Harper struck out twice in green Phanatic cleats in his $330 million debut and bowed to thousands of home fans in No. 3 jerseys who gave him rousing standing ovations in Philadelphia’s win over Atlanta.
Reds 5, Pirates 3: Derek Dietrich’s three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning rallied the new-look Reds in an encouraging start for a Cincinnati team looking to escape last place.
Padres 2, Giants 0: Manny Machado went hitless in his first game with San Diego and Fernando Tatis Jr. singled twice in his big league debut, an opening win over visiting San Francisco.
Brewers 5, Cardinals 4: Milwaukee center fielder Lorenzo Cain soared above the wall to rob Jose Martinez of a tying home run for the final out, lifting Christian Yelich and the visiting Brewers.
Dodgers 12, Diamondbacks 5: Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez each hit two of Los Angeles’ eight home runs, which set a major league record for opening day and tied the franchise record for any game, in a victory over visiting Arizona.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Astros 5, Rays 1: Justin Verlander outpitched Blake Snell in a rare opening-day matchup between a reigning Cy Young Award winner and runner-up, helping Houston begin the season with a victory at Tampa Bay.
Yankees 7, Orioles 2: Luke Voit hit a first-inning homer, Masahiro Tanaka finally got an opening day victory in his fourth try and host New York started the season with a win.
Tigers 2, Blue Jays 0 (10): Jordan Zimmermann took a perfect game into the seventh inning, Christian Stewart hit a two-run homer in the 10th and host Detroit beat Toronto.
Twins 2, Indians 0: Minnesota newcomer Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run double in the seventh inning, Jose Berrios outdueled Corey Kluber and the host Twins gave manager Rocco Baldelli a win in his debut.
Athletics 4, Angels 0: Reigning homer run champion Khris Davis went deep for the second time this season, Marcus Semien added a solo shot and Oakland beat visiting Los Angeles.
Royals 5, White Sox 3: Brad Keller pitched two-hit ball over seven shutout innings, Adalberto Mondesi tripled twice and host Kansas City beat Chicago.
INTERLEAGUE
Cubs 12, Rangers 4: Javier Baez homered twice, Jon Lester won for the first time in his last five opening day starts and Chicago began the season with a win at Texas, spoiling the debut of new Rangers manager Chris Woodward.