Adley Rutschman’s Opening Day dominance is becoming delightful Orioles history

Baseball is finally here, with the Baltimore Orioles eager to push toward a World Series with optimism and excitement abound following their emergence as a baseball juggernaut in 2023. Taking on the Los Angeles Angels to start the season, the Orioles flexed their might with a 11-3 rout.

While Corbin Burnes overpowered the Angels on the mound, striking out 11 while only allowing one run, the Orioles offense was what powered the win. Adley Rutschman, playing in his second Opening Day, continued his dominance on Day 1 of the season in what seems to be a recurring trend.

After an historical 5-for-5 showing in 2023, Rutschman got hits in his first two at-bats this time to go 7 for his first 7 in opening day at-bats, something almost unheard of in baseball. He had one home run and six RBI in that time.

Adley Rutschman's Opening Day dominance is remarkable Orioles history

Though Rutschman went 2-for-4 in the game, he reached base three times after getting on in the fourth inning on a fielder's choice and then scored on Anthony Santander's towering two-run home run.

Rutschman also called a good game for Burnes behind the plate in his Orioles debut. The only hit he allowed was the first inning home run by Trout, with Burnes retiring every hitter he faced after that. His 11 strikeouts are the most in an Orioles debut. Rutschman helped the bullpen allow one combined hit after Burnes departed, too, and the Orioles pitching allowed just two hits all game.

While the perfect streak on Opening Day is over for Rutschman, getting hits in his first seven at-bats is no small feat and is more proof that he has quickly become the best catcher in baseball since his debut in 2022.

Rutschman and the Orioles get back in action Saturday afternoon for the second game of the series. Grayson Rodriguez starts for the O's as they look for the series win, opposed by Griffin Canning for the Angels. Expect more fireworks from the offense against a weak Anaheim pitching staff.