clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

EVERY batting and pitching record for the Astros on Opening Day

Craig Biggio is the only Astro with a 5-hit game on OD. For more, read the article below.

Houston Astros v Los Angeles Dodgers Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images

Opening Day is finally here! With eternal Zack Greinke on the mound, the Astros are facing the Oakland Athletics tonight. But while you wait for the game, we give you some records to have close at hand in case something extraordinary happens for Houston tonight.

Going back to 2013, the Astros have won EIGHT consecutive Opening Days in a row. Last year, they defeated the Mariners with stellar performances from Justin Verlander and Michael Brantley. Tonight they’re up against veteran righty Chris Bassitt, who owns a 3-2, 3.53 ERA, lifetime record versus Houston.

Enjoy...

Batting records:

Only Astro with a 5-hit performance on Opening Day: Craig Biggio (04-03-2001 vs Brewers). All singles.

Astros’ players with 2-homer games on Opening Day: Román Mejías (04-10-1962, vs Cubs) and Jeff Bagwell (04-01-2003 vs Rockies).

Astros with 5+ RBIs on a single game on Opening Day: Román Mejías (04-10-1962, 6 RBIs vs Cubs), Richard Hidalgo (04-04-2000, 5 RBIs vs Pirates), and Daryle Ward (04-03-2001, 6 RBIs vs Brewers).

Astro with 3+ doubles on an Opening Day: Derek Bell (03-31-1998, 3 2Bs vs Giants).

Only Astro with a 2-triple game on Opening Day: Justin Maxwell (03-31-2013 vs Rangers).

Most career hits on Opening Day by an Astro: Craig Biggio, 23.

Most career home runs on Opening Day by an Astro: Jeff Bagwell, 5.

Most career runs batted in on Opening Day by an Astro: Richard Hidalgo, 12.

Debuts by position players since 2000 on Opening Day (3):

  • LF Luke Scott: 0-for-3 vs Cardinals (2005)
  • SS Marwin González: 0-for-3 vs Rockies (2012)
  • PH/DH Tyler White: 1-for-1, vs Yankees (2016)

Pitching records:

Most recent complete game by an Astro on Opening Day: Larry Dierker (04-07-1975 vs Braves): 9 innings, 2 earned runs.

Only 10-strikeout performance on Opening Day: J.R. Richard (04-10-1980, 13 vs Dodgers).

To date, no Astro has ever thrown a shutout on Opening Day.

Most starts on Opening Day by an Astro: Roy Oswalt (8).

Most career strikeouts on Opening Day: J.R. Richard (35).

Most career wins on Opening Day: Larry Dierker (4).

Most career saves on Opening Day: Billy Wagner (3).

Debuts by pitchers since 2000 on Opening Day (3):

  • LHP Wesley Wright: 1/3 inning vs Padres (2008).
  • LHP Blake Taylor: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER vs Mariners (2020).
  • RHP Enoli Paredes: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER vs. Mariners (2020).

BONUS…

Last 10 Opening Days:

  • 2011: L 4-5 vs Phillies
  • 2012: L 3-5 vs Rockies
  • 2013: W 8-2 vs Rangers
  • 2014: W 6-2 vs Yankees
  • 2015: W 2-0 vs Indians
  • 2016: W 5-3 vs Yankees
  • 2017: W 3-0 vs Mariners
  • 2018: W 4-1 vs Rangers
  • 2019: W 5-1 vs Rays
  • 2020: W 8-2 vs Mariners