WATCH: Astros' Alvarez Hits One 442 Feet
The Houston Astros won the World Series last season, beating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games, so I think they can handle the disappointment of losing on Opening Night.
That said, even in a loss, something cool can happen. How about the ball that Yordan Alvarez hit in the bottom of the ninth inning off White Sox reliever Reynaldo Lopez?
The Astros were trailing 3-1 at the time and this moonshot brought them within one run before the rally stalled. Alvarez just effortlessly golfed a slider 442 feet to right field.
The Alvarez blast was reminiscent of the one he hit last October in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Mariners, when he hit a walk-off home run off Robbie Ray.
Alvarez is one of the most productive and prolific hitters in all of baseball. He hit 37 home runs last year and brought in 97, all while hitting .306.
Alvarez has battled some hand issues over the last year and Astros manager Dusty Baker says he's likely not to play every day at the beginning of the season.
The Astros figure to be right at the top of the American League contenders list again this year, armed with sluggers like Alvarez, Alex Bregman and Jose Abreu. They also feature great pitchers like Framber Valdez and reliever Ryan Pressly.
The Astros win 106 games last year en route to the World Series.
They'll take on the White Sox again on Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET.
