The Tampa Bay Rays kicked off their season with a thrilling 3-2 walk-off win against the Colorado Rockies, thanks to a heroic first career home run from rookie Kameron Misner. The game marked the Rays' first home match at George M. Steinbrenner Field due to damage at Tropicana Field from a hurricane. Misner's game-winning hit, a 108 mph rocket that traveled 351 feet, made him the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off home run on Opening Day for his first career home run.

Despite trailing 2-0 into the seventh inning and facing a dominant performance from Rockies starter Kyle Freeland, the Rays rallied in the late innings. Misner's pinch-hit success highlighted the growing tension between team ownership and local politicians regarding stadium issues. However, the win allowed fans to temporarily set aside their frustrations and celebrate a significant opening day victory.