Garrett Crochet strikes out eight in opening day start

Opening day in Major League Baseball took place on Thursday.

Detroit (1-0) defeated Chicago (0-1), 1-0, at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Former Vol Garrett Crochet started for the White Sox and pitched six innings. He recorded eight strikeouts, while allowing five hits, one earned run and zero walks. Crochet totaled 87 pitches, including 61 strikes.

He became the ninth MLB pitcher to make a first career start on opening day.

Tanner Scheppers (2014), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), Preacher Roe (1944), Al Gerhauser (1943), Red Evans (1939), Jim Bagby (1938), Lefty Grove (1925) and Eddie Eayrs (1920) all made their first MLB career start on opening day.

Crochet was selected by the White Sox in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft (No. 11 overall).

He played for the Vols from 2018-20, appearing in 36 games. Crochet (10-9) recorded 149 strikeouts during his career at Tennessee.

The former Vol went to Tennessee from Ocean Springs High School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Crochet was selected by Milwaukee in the 34th round of the 2017 MLB draft. He signed with the Vols over Texas and Tulane.