Yankees 4-2 Brewers: Wells’ historic leadoff homer ignites Opening Day victory
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Follow UsNew York Yankees 4-2 Milwaukee Brewers
The Yankees started their season on the right foot, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. Austin Wells made history during the game, signaling that even with a considerably different roster than expected, New York’s new season began promisingly and could hold further surprises.
Historic start for Wells and Volpe
Austin Wells became the first catcher to hit a leadoff homer on Opening Day, also went deep, and the New York Yankees began their AL pennant defense by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.
Wells, batting leadoff—a first-ever regular-season occurrence for a Yankees catcher—sent a 2-0 fastball from Freddy Peralta (0-1) just over the right-field wall, a home run unique to Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, as it would not have cleared the fence in any other MLB park. Anthony Volpe added a solo home run of his own in the second inning, extending New York’s early advantage to 2-0.
Rodon solid in Yankees debut
Carlos Rodón (1-0), stepping in as the Opening Day starter due to ace Gerrit Cole’s season-ending elbow injury, allowed just one run—Vinny Capra’s first-career homer in the third—on four hits across 5 2/3 innings. Rodón recorded seven strikeouts, getting 13 swings and misses, including nine on his slider.
In the sixth, the Brewers loaded the bases against reliever Tim Hill, but Milwaukee rookie Isaac Collins grounded into an inning-ending forceout after a tense nine-pitch at-bat.
Judge and Bellinger Provide Insurance
Aaron Judge and newcomer Cody Bellinger provided crucial insurance runs in the seventh inning. Judge’s RBI single, which deflected off third base, scored Ben Rice, who had walked earlier. Bellinger followed with a sacrifice fly, extending New York’s lead to 4-1.
Devin Williams, facing his former team after being traded from Milwaukee in December, endured a shaky ninth inning. He loaded the bases with no outs, surrendering two hits and a walk. Williams allowed a sacrifice fly to Brice Turang but rebounded strongly, striking out rookie Jackson Chourio—who notably struck out five times on the day—and veteran Christian Yelich to secure the save.
Emotional Opening Day tributes
The Yankees’ lineup featured only four returning starters from Game 5 of the World Series: Judge, Wells, Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Prior to the game, Gerrit Cole, recovering from Tommy John surgery performed on March 11, appeared during introductions with his arm in a sling.
The day was marked by solemn tributes, including a moment of silence for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, who passed away Friday. Milwaukee players wore patches honoring longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker, who died on January 16 at age 90.
Up next
The Yankees now prepare for Saturday’s matchup, where left-hander Max Fried makes his debut for New York. Former Yankee Nestor Cortes will start for Milwaukee in his return to the Bronx, sporting newly dyed blond hair.
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