Guardians' Chase DeLauter continues hot start with 3 hits and 2-run homer in home opener
Chase DeLauter has developed a knack for memorable openers. DeLauter became the first Cleveland player to make his major league debut in last year's AL Wild Card series against Detroit. On March 26 at Seattle, DeLauter became the seventh player since 1889 to hit two home runs in his first major league regular-season game.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Chase DeLauter has developed a knack for memorable openers. DeLauter became the first Cleveland player to make his major league debut in last year's AL Wild Card series against Detroit. On March 26 at Seattle, DeLauter became the seventh player since 1889 to hit two home runs in his first major league regular-season game.
So, it wasn't a surprise that DeLauter achieved another milestone on Friday. His two-run homer in the seventh inning of the Guardians' 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs made him the first Cleveland player since Joe Charboneau in 1980 to homer in both their first regular-season home and away game. “Coming in here, packed house, first game, beautiful day.
It was a good feeling to get that one. That's as good as you can dream it up” said DeLauter, who went 3 for 4 and drove in three runs. DeLauter tied it at 1-1 in the fifth inning with a base hit to left to drive in Daniel Schneemann.
After Gabriel Arias’ homer put Cleveland on top 2-1 in the seventh, DeLauter drove a 96. 6 mph fastball by Hunter Harvey 402 feet into the right-field stands to extend the Guardians’ lead. DeLauter said he immediately knew it was gone.