The Latest: Orioles' Gentry robs homer from Twins' Rosario  —  Kansas City Royals Alex Gordon runs sprints on during a baseball workout, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Royals open the baseball season on Thursday afternoon when they host the Chicago White Sox.

Mets winning by playing small ball, analytics an encouraging sign for the rest of the season  —  On Opening Day at Citi Field, a booming home run or two from Yoenis Cespedes, something akin to Giancarlo Stanton's eye-popping Yankee debut, would have made for a sexier storyline than singling Carlos Martinez and the Cardinals to death.

Davidson hits 3 of White Sox's 6 homers in 14-7 rout of KC  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Most days, Tim Anderson's performance would have made him the star.  —  Matt Davidson showed up his Chicago White Sox teammate.  —  The young designated hitter became the fourth player in major league history …

Blue Jays honor the late Roy Halladay before opener against Yankees  —  TORONTO - The late Roy Halladay had his name added to the Rogers Centre's “Level of Excellence” and his Blue Jays' No. 32 was retired in a pre-game ceremony, honoring his life and pitching career.

Springer 1st with consecutive MLB opening day leadoff HRs  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - George Springer has set a MLB first with his 100th career home run for the Houston Astros.  —  The World Series MVP led off the Astros' season opener at Texas with a home run off Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels.

Markakis' 3-run homer gives Braves 8-5 walk-off vs Phillies  —  Nick Markakis hit a three-run homer with two out in the ninth inning, capping the  —  Atlanta Braves' comeback from a five-run deficit that rocked the  —  Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 Thursday and ruined the managing debut of Gabe Kapler.

Melancon joins Bumgarner, Samardzija on Giants' DL  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — San Francisco Giants closer Mark Melancon was put on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow flexor strain before Thursday's opener, joining starters Madison Bumgarner and starter Jeff Samardzija on the sidelines.

When, where to watch Cleveland Indians open 2018 season at Seattle Mariners  —  Here is where to catch the Cleveland Indians' 2018 regular-season opener against the Seattle Mariners tonight.  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians begin their quest for a third consecutive American League …

Brian Cashman still has full confidence in Aaron Boone as new Yankees manager  —  TORONTO — Heading into a season of great expectations, Brian Cashman feels that he's hired the right manager.  —  “I have no second-guessing or concerns,” Cashman replied Thursday when asked …

No score through three innings  —  Bottom of third: The inning began with promise for the Dodgers, when Clayton Kershaw dug out a low-and-away, 74-mph curve and dumped a soft single into shallow left field.  —  But leadoff man Chris Taylor grounded into a fielder's choice and Corey Seager hit …

Grease fire causes smoke inside Tropicana Field before Rays opener  —  A small grease fire in the upper deck of Tropicana Field on Thursday caused a smoky haze to fall over the playing field five hours before the first pitch of the regular-season opener between the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox.

Arcia's single lifts Brewers over Padres 2-1 in 12 innings  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Orlando Arcia singled in Ji-Man Choi with two outs in the 12th inning to lift the Milwaukee Brewers over the San Diego Padres 2-1 on opening day Thursday.  —  Arcia's hit came off sidearmer Adam Cimber (0-1), who was making his big league debut.

Adam Jones hits walk-off homer in 11th, Orioles top Twins, 3-2  —  BALTIMORE — On Opening Day that seemed scripted for disaster Thursday at Camden Yards ended with the longest-tenured Oriole — center fielder Adam Jones — the hero.  —  After the Orioles blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning …

Reds play catch between raindrops, await opener vs Nationals  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Closer Raisel Iglesias skirted the tarp-covered infield along with the rest of the Cincinnati Reds pitchers, heading for the outfield and a quick game of catch before the rains returned.

Opening Day is about hopes and dreams, which is why it never disappoints  —  Opening Day is an emotional goldmine, one of the greatest treasures in professional sports.  It should be a national holiday.  —  The event transcends baseball.  The idea fills people with hope.