First No Hitter of the Season

Joe Musgrove, a Padres fan since childhood, pitched the first no hitter of the 2021 season. He also threw the first no hitter for the Padres in Franchise History. Musgrove threw 10 strikeouts with an almost perfect game, winning 3 – 0.

Breaking traditional pitching techniques, he only threw curveballs and changeups, which is rare for a no hitter, as well as each regular game. 

Not only was history made with Joe Musgrove, but his catcher, Victor Caratini also caught his second no hitter. Caratini knew the Rangers very well, and was able to use strategies that would work against the Rangers. After the game, Musgrove said “he was a like a scientist”, explaining the magic that Caratini had performed behind the plate.

Injuries

George Springer of the Blue Jays placed back on the IL list after running the bases on Monday. MRI scan revealed a quad strain.

Dodgers placed Cody Bellinger on the 10 day IL list after a left-calf contusion. Bellinger was recently spiked, leading to this injury.

Ones to Watch

 Akil Baddoo, an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers was a recent draft pick called up to play the opening games. During his first major league games, he did the following:

• Home Run
• Grand Slam
• Walk-off Single

Nick Castellanos, of the Cincinnati Reds, is proving to be one of the next big players. After two good seasons, he has already kicked off this season with the Reds, scoring 7 RBI’s, 4 Home Runs, and is batting .429 with 12 hits.

Tyler Naquin, also of the Cincinnati Reds, has been one of the best players in Opening Week. Scoring 14 RBI’s, 5 Home Runs, and batting .318 with 7 hits will help the Cincinnati Reds be one of the top teams this year.

Top Teams

AL East: Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox lead the division each with the tied record of 4-3

AL Central: Minnesota Twins lead the division with a record of 5 -2

AL West: Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels tie the lead for the division each with a record of 6-2.

NL East: After a COVID-19 outbreak in the NL East Division and delay of games, the Philadelphia Phillies lead with a record of 5 -2. 

NL Central: Cincinnati Reds lead the NL Central, National League, and MLB with an Opening Week record of 6 -1.

NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers, 2020 World Series Champions lead the NL West with a record of 6 – 2. Dodgers World Series Ring Ceremony was held on April 9th. 

Opening Week Gallery

Written by Henry Bankowski