World Series MVP George Springer hit a lead-off homer in the season opener for the second year in a row, Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings and the Houston Astros started their championship defence with a 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.
Jake Marisnick also homered for the Astros, whose 57th year as a franchise began with them as reigning World Series champions for the first time.
Springer hit a 2-0 pitch off lefty Cole Hamels (0-1) into the right-field seats, becoming the only player in MLB history with lead-off homers in consecutive season openers, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
It was the 100th career homer for the 28-year-old right fielder starting his fifth big league season - he hit five home runs in the Series against the Dodgers, connecting in the final four games.
Elvis Andrus led off the ninth against Ken Giles, the third Astros reliever, with a double.
Andrus scored on a wild pitch and the Rangers avoided being shut out in a home opener for the first time since 1992.
