Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ kicked off the 2018 MLB season by belting a homerun on the very first pitch he saw from Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Urena. Happ's solo shot was part of a three-run first inning for the Cubs, as Urena beaned three batters and walked in a run.
Not only did Happ's leadoff homerun spark an early rally for the Cubs, but it also meant that Cubs reporter Michael Cerami had to take a dip into Lake Michigan.
https://twitter.com/_/status/979400880658305025
https://twitter.com/_/status/979396403024756736
https://twitter.com/_/status/979414250069340160
Both the Cubs and Marlins are honoring the victims of last month's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with a number of tributes planned during the season-opening four-game series. Both teams are wearing patches with the initials "MSD" and 17 stars to honor the number of lives lost in the shooting.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a Stoneman Douglas alum, watched as his former High School won 15-0 on Tuesday night and will host the team at Friday's game as well, according to ESPN.
"These kids are standing up for what they believe in," Rizzo said. "They're motivating everyone to go out there to register to vote, which is amazing. ... They're holding the throttle down on these politicians and making them accountable."
Prior to Friday's game between the Cubs and Marlins in Miami, four families of victims or survivors of the tragic shooting are scheduled to throw out the first pitch.
