Yankees Defeat Giants in Season Opener, Despite Aaron Judge’s Struggles
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Modern York Yankees began their 2026 Major League Baseball season with a 7-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night at Oracle Park, despite a rare hitless performance from Aaron Judge. It marked Judge’s first Opening Day without a hit and only the second time since September 2024 he has struck out four times in a game.1
Yankees’ Offensive Outburst
José Caballero drove in the travel-ahead run with an RBI single during a five-run second inning for the Yankees.1 The game also featured the first review requested utilizing the Automated Ball and Strike System (ABS), with Caballero unsuccessfully challenging a strike call by umpire Bill Miller in the fourth inning.1
Fried Shines on the Mound
Yankees pitcher Max Fried delivered a strong performance, allowing just two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings.1 This accomplishment makes him only the fifth Yankee pitcher since 1969 to achieve at least 6 1/3 scoreless innings on Opening Day, joining Catfish Hunter (1977), Ron Guidry (1980), Rick Rhoden (1988), and David Cone (1996).1 The Yankees secured their first shutout victory on the road on Opening Day since 1967.1
Automated Strike Zone Debut
The game marked the debut of the Major League’s automated ball-strike system. In the fourth inning, a sinker from Giants pitcher Logan Webb was called a strike by umpire Bill Miller, and the decision was upheld by the Hawk-Eye camera system.1
Judge Faces Giants for First Time Since Free Agency
Aaron Judge was met with boos from the crowd before the game and during each at-bat.1 This was his first game against the Giants since he was a free agent target for the team in 2022, ultimately choosing to sign a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees.1
Webb Struggles in Opening Day Start
Giants pitcher Logan Webb, a 15-game winner in the previous season, allowed six earned runs and nine hits over five innings.1
Vitello’s Managerial Debut
The game also marked the managerial debut of Tony Vitello, who became the first manager in Major League history to commence his career without prior professional coaching or playing experience.2
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