Orioles OF O'Neill homers on opening day for sixth straight year, extending own record

TORONTO (AP) — Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run home run off Toronto's José Berríos in the third inning of Thursday’s game at Toronto, extending his major league record by homering for a sixth straight opening day.

Playing a season-opening game in his home country of Canada for the first time, O’Neill connected on a two-out, 2-1 sinker, driving in Colton Cowser and Adley Rutschman and putting Baltimore up 4-0.

“When he hit it, I think everyone was just going crazy because that’s just such an amazing feat,” Rutschman said. “It was just so cool to see.”

O’Neill went 3 for 3 with two walks and scored three runs. He said it was meaningful to have a strong performance with several of his family in the crowd.

“Very special,” he said. “I’ve had a great day so far. Playing in Toronto is always special for me.”

Baltimore manager Brandon Hyde called O'Neill's opening day streak “mind-boggling," adding that he has quickly learned to appreciate everything his new outfielder brings to the clubhouse.

“Awesome personality,” Hyde said of O'Neill. “I love how hard-nosed he is. He’s a team guy.”

O’Neill’s opening day home run streak began with St. Louis in 2020 and continued for four seasons, matching a mark held by Todd Hundley (1994-97), Gary Carter (1977-80) and Yogi Berra (1955-58).

O’Neill took sole possession of the mark when he connected in his lone opening day with Boston in 2024.

O’Neill arrived at the stadium Thursday carrying two boxes of donuts from the popular Canadian chain Tim Hortons to share with his Baltimore teammates. He did the same thing when visiting Toronto with the Red Sox last season.

Hyde said he'd have no problem with O'Neill repeating the donut delivery on Friday.

“Whatever works,” Hyde said. “Wear the same clothes. Whatever he did today, do it tomorrow.”

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