PHOENIX — Loyal D-backs fans filled Chase Field with memories of the World Series still fresh in their minds, and they were looking for any opportunity to show their affection for the home team.
They did not have to wait long.
After a two-run first inning, the D-backs staged a historic third inning in which they sent 18 men to the plate and scored 14 runs off three Rockies pitchers in the opening game of the season on Thursday.
The 14 runs in a single inning represents a record for a club in a single inning on Opening Day since 1900. It is also the fourth-most runs by a club in a single inning since 1900.
Every batter in Arizona’s lineup had at least one hit in the inning and drove in at least one run, except Corbin Carroll, who walked two and scored a pair of runs.
The final run of the epic act came on Blaze Alexander’s first major league hit, an RBI single to center field.
Cuban Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Venezuelan Gabriel Moreno each drove in three runs.
