Swanson Reflects on 'Special Start' Of The Cubs 2023 Season
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The roar of "Go Cubs Go" rang throughout Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs put the finishing touches on their 4-0 Opening Day win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Marcus Stroman pitches six strong innings. The bullpen did its job to lock the game down. And Dansby Swanson collected three hits in his Cubs debut.
"It's better when you're on this team, and you hear it versus being on the other team," Swanson said of the Cubs' victory song.
"It's obviously a special start. We're just so blessed. I have to keep saying this. We're just so blessed to be here, so blessed to wear this uniform. I couldn't be more proud of our guys. I felt like we played really well today."
Swanson's first at-bat, a 109-mph rocket to center field, resulted in an out but indicated that the Vanderbilt product was locked in from the get-go.
Swanson delivered the big hit in his next at-bat, sending an opposite-field single into right field that ultimately plated two runs after a Brewers' error allowed Nico Hoerner to come around.
The 29-year-old's first hit with the Cubs came on the heels of a spectacular inning-ending double play to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the top half of the inning.
Fans got an early look at the Swanson-Hoerner double-play combination they should expect to see for the next several seasons.
Having been signed to a high-profile contract in the offseason, Swanson showed no signs of pressure to perform immediately. And it was about as good of a start as he could have drawn up.
Where did Thursday's game rank in fun moments of his career?
"I try not to get into rankings, but it's pretty close. It's pretty dear to my heart," Swanson said, who won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
"Amazing city, amazing team, amazing organization. Every Opening Day is special, but this one is definitely up there."
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