The New York Yankees kicked off their 2025 season with a statement, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. While the team’s overall performance showed promise, the game’s biggest storyline was Austin Wells making history with a leadoff home run in his first Opening Day at-bat. Not only did Wells become the first catcher to ever bat leadoff for the Yankees, but he also became the first leadoff catcher in modern MLB history (since 1900) to homer in his first plate appearance of the season opener.
A Touching Tribute Before the Game
The day began with a heartfelt tribute, as Yankee Stadium observed a moment of silence for Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of longtime Yankee Brett Gardner, who tragically passed away earlier this week while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. The Bleacher Creatures honored Miller in a special way, adding his name to the team’s iconic roll call—the same chant that echoed his father’s name nearly 900 times throughout his 14-year career in pinstripes. Gardner, who spent his entire career with the Yankees, compiled a .256 batting average with 1,470 hits, 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, and 943 runs scored. A Gold Glove winner and a World Series champion, his legacy remains deeply ingrained in Yankees history.
Prior to today’s game, we held a moment of silence to remember Miller Gardner, the son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.
Miller had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature. Miller grew up in the Yankees organization and had… pic.twitter.com/rKrvvSWNju
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 27, 2025
Austin Wells Makes History
Facing Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, Wells wasted no time in electrifying the Bronx crowd. On the third pitch of the game, he sent a fastball over the right field wall, giving the Yankees an immediate 1-0 lead. The historic shot set the tone for an explosive start, and Wells’ name is now etched in baseball history with a feat that may never be matched.
Instant offense.@wellsius16 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oAHKDhSOnc
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 27, 2025
Offensive Support from Volpe
The Yankees’ offense didn’t stop there. Anthony Volpe added a solo home run in the bottom of the second, showcasing his continued development as a key player in the lineup.
AV Club. @Volpe_Anthony 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Gme0tKxoeD
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 27, 2025
An Exciting Seventh Inning
The bottom of the seventh proved to be a crucial turning point for the Yankees. Aaron Judge came up clutch with a double groundball to left field, bringing in Ben Rice for an important insurance run. Moments later, Cody Bellinger followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Oswaldo Cabrera, extending the Yankees’ narrow one-run lead to a more comfortable three-run advantage. This offensive burst provided the cushion needed to hold off any late-game Brewers rally.
Rodón Shines in First Start
Carlos Rodón made his first start of the season and looked dominant on the mound. The 32-year-old left-hander showcased his ace-like stuff, striking out seven Brewers while allowing just one earned run across 5.1 innings. He limited the damage to just four hits and two walks.
Bullpen Holds Strong
Following Rodón’s strong outing, the bullpen stepped up in a big way. Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., and Luke Weaver combined for 2.2 scoreless innings, striking out four batters and keeping the Brewers from gaining any momentum. Then came Devin Williams, the Yankees’ newly acquired closer, who was tasked with shutting down his former team in the ninth inning. Despite some tense moments, Williams delivered, locking down the save and securing the Yankees’ first win of the season.
A Promising Start to 2025
With a historic performance from Wells, a dominant outing from Rodón, and a bullpen that proved its reliability, the Yankees couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the season. If this game was any indication of what’s to come, the Yankees will be poised for an exciting and successful 2025 campaign.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees will turn to Max Fried for Game 2 on Saturday, where he’ll face former Yankee and last year’s Opening Day starter, Nestor Cortes. Marcus Stroman is slated to take the mound for Game 3 on Sunday. Following the series against Milwaukee, the Yankees will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game set before heading to Pittsburgh next weekend to take on the Pirates.
Box Score
