Austin Wells, Volpe Homer in Yankees Opening Day Win \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Austin Wells made history as the first catcher to hit a leadoff homer on Opening Day, sparking a 4-2 Yankees win over the Brewers. Carlos Rodón impressed in place of injured ace Gerrit Cole. Devin Williams earned the save in a tense ninth inning.
Yankees Opening Day 2025 Quick Looks
- Austin Wells becomes first catcher to hit leadoff homer on Opening Day
- Carlos Rodón shines in emergency start due to Gerrit Cole’s season-ending injury
- Anthony Volpe and Aaron Judge contribute key hits; Bellinger adds a sac fly in debut
- Devin Williams escapes ninth-inning jam to seal Yankees’ 4-2 win
- Brewers honor late broadcaster Bob Uecker with uniform patch
- Yankees hold moment of silence for Miller Gardner, son of Brett Gardner
Deep Look
The New York Yankees opened their 2025 season with a blend of history-making moments, emotional tributes, and high-stakes drama, ultimately securing a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the Bronx. With stars missing, new faces stepping up, and records being rewritten, the game served as a microcosm of what’s shaping up to be a compelling season for the AL champs.
Austin Wells Makes Baseball History With Leadoff Bomb
It didn’t take long for history to be made at Yankee Stadium. Austin Wells, traditionally known for his work behind the plate, stunned the baseball world by becoming the first catcher in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day.
Facing Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, Wells launched a 2-0 fastball into the short porch in right field, a shot that wouldn’t have cleared the wall in any other major league park but was plenty in Yankee Stadium. The Elias Sports Bureau confirmed the rarity of the moment: in the Yankees’ 121-season history, spanning 19,451 total games (regular season and postseason combined), no catcher had ever hit leadoff—let alone homered in that spot—on Opening Day.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows before the game but will be remembered for years if the Yankees make another deep postseason run. The 24-year-old backstop, known more for his power than his speed, delivered on the biggest stage with an unexpected swing of the bat.
Volpe, Judge, and Bellinger Add to the Firepower
After Wells’ historic shot, Anthony Volpe added another solo homer in the second inning, showcasing the continued offensive evolution of the young shortstop who has grown into a cornerstone piece for the Yankees. Volpe’s improved approach at the plate, especially his ability to jump on early-count fastballs, was on full display.
In the seventh inning, Aaron Judge, one of just four returning starters from the Yankees’ 2024 World Series Game 5 lineup, ripped an RBI double off the third base bag to extend the lead to 3-1. Making his Yankees debut, Cody Bellinger, fresh off signing a major offseason deal, added a sacrifice fly that padded the score to 4-1. The former MVP’s first RBI in pinstripes came in a pressure moment, and it served as a reminder that this new-look Yankees lineup has depth and championship intent.
Carlos Rodón Answers the Call
With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery on March 11, the Yankees turned to Carlos Rodón to set the tone on Opening Day. Rodón answered the call with an impressive outing, tossing 5 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, while striking out several with devastating sliders.
He generated 13 swings and misses, including nine on his slider, a pitch that has regained its sharpness after an inconsistent 2024. The performance was more than a quality start—it was a statement. In a season where rotation stability is a concern, Rodón looked every bit the ace the Yankees need in Cole’s absence.
Rodón’s composure under pressure and ability to navigate a feisty Brewers lineup could be a promising sign for what’s ahead in 2025, especially as New York eases new arms like Max Fried into the rotation.
Devin Williams Shuts the Door in Yankee Debut
The game’s tensest moment came in the top of the ninth, when former Brewers closer Devin Williams, now wearing pinstripes after a December trade, was tasked with securing the save against his old team.
Things got dicey quickly. Williams loaded the bases with no outs, issuing two hits and a walk, inviting drama into what had been a relatively calm game. After giving up a sacrifice fly to Brice Turang, trimming the lead to 4-2, he rebounded by striking out top prospect Jackson Chourio and former MVP Christian Yelich—the latter on a wicked changeup—to nail down the save.
Chourio had a rough debut, striking out five times—two more than any previous career outing. While the Brewers hope it’s an outlier, it was a jarring introduction to the kind of pitching elite teams like the Yankees bring in high-leverage situations.
Vinny Capra’s First Homer and Missed Brewers Opportunity
One of Milwaukee’s few bright spots came from an unexpected source: Vinny Capra, who connected for his first big league home run in the third inning off Rodón. The solo shot briefly tied the game and gave the Brewers hope that didn’t materialize later in the game.
The key turning point came in the sixth inning when rookie Isaac Collins pinch-hit with the bases loaded and worked a nine-pitch at-bat. But Tim Hill induced a ground ball that led to an inning-ending forceout, stifling the Brewers’ best scoring opportunity outside of the ninth.
Tributes, Emotions, and a Team in Transition
Opening Day wasn’t without emotional weight. The Yankees held a moment of silence in memory of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of longtime outfielder Brett Gardner, who tragically passed away just days earlier. It was a somber and unifying moment for the team and the fans.
On the Brewers’ side, players wore a patch on their left sleeves in tribute to iconic broadcaster Bob Uecker, who passed away on January 16 at age 90. Uecker was a Milwaukee institution whose voice had been synonymous with Brewers baseball for decades.
The Yankees’ lineup also reflected a changing of the guard. Only Judge, Volpe, Wells, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. remained from the previous World Series lineup. The 2025 team represents a new chapter—with the additions of players like Bellinger and Williams, and prospects like Wells rising quickly.
What’s Next in the Series
Looking ahead, Max Fried will make his much-anticipated Yankees debut on Saturday, and he’ll be matched up against Nestor Cortes, now in a Brewers uniform after several memorable seasons in the Bronx. Cortes, ever the character, dyed his hair blonde earlier this week, hinting that his usual flair will remain intact even in Milwaukee blue.
This early-season matchup between playoff-caliber teams is already offering a taste of October intensity, and both squads have much to prove as they navigate roster changes and high expectations.
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