There were no first-day jitters for Astros right-hander Zack Greinke. His heartbeat was as calm as ever for six innings Thursday night at the Oakland Coliseum, where he carved up the A’s and collected his first career Opening Day win — and the 209th win of his career — in Houston’s 8-1 runaway victory.
Greinke threw at least six innings without allowing a run for the 65th time in his career, as the Astros got back-to-back homers from Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman to lead off the eighth inning and cruised to their club-record ninth consecutive Opening Day win. Houston hasn’t lost an Opening Day game since it moved to the American League in 2013.
The Astros’ nine consecutive wins in openers ties the longest streak in the modern era (since 1900), joining the Mariners (2007-15), Reds (1983-91), Mets (1975-83) and St. Louis Browns (1937-45).