At long last, Opening Day has finally arrived.  Yes, the season technically began last week in Japan, but come on—that didn’t count.  Last night’s Cardinals-Marlins game was a step in the right direction, but still no Opening Day.

So, here is what’s on the docket for the first batch of games this afternoon.

 

Red Sox vs. Tigers, 1:05 PM ET, Comerica Park

Tigers win, 3-2

Verlander: (ND) 8 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K -- 105 pitches

Lester: (ND) 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 3 BB, 5 K -- 107 pitches

Valverde: (BS,W) IP, 3 H, 2 ER, K

Austin Jackson: 3-for-5, 3B, game-winning single in Bot 9

 

Braves vs. Mets, 1:10 PM ET, Citi Field

Mets win, 1-0

Santana: (ND) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K - 84 pitches

Hanson: (L) 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K - 83 pitches

Francisco: Sv

RBI single by David Wright

 

Phillies vs. Pirates, 1:35 PM ET, PNC Park

Phillies win, 1-0

Bedard: (L) 7 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 4 K -- 81 pitches

Halladay: (W) 8 IP, 2 H, 5 K -- 92 pitches

Ruiz: 3-for-3, RBI single

Papelbon: (Sv)

 

Nationals vs. Cubs, 2:20 PM ET, Wrigley Field

Nationals win, 2-1.

Strasburg: (ND) 7 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 5 K -- 82 pitches

Demptser: (ND) 7.2 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 10 K -- 108 pitches

Lidge (Sv): IP, H, 2 K

Ian Desmond: 3-for-5, go-ahead RBI single, SB,

 

I will be posting updates on every game throughout the afternoon and invite everyone to join the discussion. Please share your thoughts on today’s action by posting in the comments section or reaching out to me on Twitter—@GoldenSombrero—and I’ll be sure to answer as many questions as possible.

Have something witty to offer? Tweet me, and if it makes me laugh, I’ll include it in my updates.

As a baseball fan, today is the greatest day of the year. So let’s have some fun, folks, and make the most of what will surely be another memorable Opening Day.