The Orioles kicked off their double header against the Texas Rangers with a bang. Ryan Flaherty led off the game with his first career home run, then J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis followed him in order.

Hardy’s home run traveled 424 feet, while Markakis’ reached Eutaw Street.

Here are some fun stats on the home runs from your friendly local Orioles reporters:

  • The last team to lead off a game with three homers was the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers with Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun.
  • The last time the Orioles hit three consecutive home runs was August 21, 2010 with Ty Wigginton, Luke Scott and Josh Bell.
  • The last time the Orioles hit three home runs in the first inning (not back-to-back-to-back) was June 12, 1999 with Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick and Will Clark.