That very rally was somewhat bittersweet, though, as St. Louis’ center fielder, Victor Scott II, robbed Ty France of a potentially game-tying knock smacked deep into the right-center gap. This one is not to be confused with France’s other potentially game-tying knock smacked deep into right-center caught by Scott just two innings later. So it goes.

Pablo López talked of setting the tone for the game, for the series, for the season a day before making his third consecutive Opening Day start for the Twins. Surely, a day as uncharacteristic as the one he had on Thursday was not what he envisioned.

Opening Days are special at each MLB ballpark, but few can match the star power and pomp and circumstance of Busch Stadium’s Opening Day, a day many locals consider to be akin to a cherished holiday.