Less than 24 hours after hitting his first two major league home runs, Atlanta rookie Earl Williams becomes the first player ever to reach the upper deck at Veterans Stadium, depositing a 2-and-1 offering from Philly starter Rick Wise “in the first row of the orange seats (middle section) of the upper deck,” tucked just inside the left-field foul pole. The 4th-inning, bases-empty blast ties the game at 2, combining with a red-hot Orlando Cepeda, who goes 5-for-5 with a double, home run and 3 RBI, to lead Atlanta to a third straight win and a series sweep over the lowly Phils.

Atlanta rookie Earl Williams, starting his second straight game in place of ailing third baseman Clete Boyer, hits a double and his first two big league home runs, which — along with additional solo blasts from Orlando Cepeda and Hal King — help Braves starter Ron Reed secure a 6 – 2, complete game decision over Philadelphia. An ironic sidebar to the evolving Williams story is provided by Wayne Minshew in the Atlanta Constitution: “Lost in the glow of Williams’ big day is King’s towering home run in the 7th, which almost reached the upper deck in brand new Veterans Stadium.” The irony will be heightened immeasurably within less than 24 hours, when Williams — who, in two months’ time will lay exclusive claim to the starting catcher’s job King is currently struggling to retain — will erase all memories of King’s prodigious near-miss with the Vet’s bona fide inaugural upper-decker.

At Fenway Park‚ the Red Sox take their second straight Opener against the Yankees‚ winning 3 – 1. Boston’s Ray Culp allows 5 hits in 9 innings in winning over Stan Bahnsen‚ who gives up 2 runs in 7 innings. Reggie Smith has 3 hits and his throw to the plate in the 8th gets the last out.

The Mets win their first opener ever at Shea Stadium‚ beating the Expos‚ 4 – 2‚ in 5 innings. Heavy rain and wind cuts the contest short. Tom Seaver is the winner over Carl Morton.

Before 39‚712 chilled fans in Pittsburgh‚ the Pirates win their Opener‚ 4 – 2‚ over the Phils. Dock Ellis is the winner‚ laying down 3 sacrifice bunts‚ and getting help with 4 Phillie errors.

In 45 degree weather, the Cincinnati Reds play their first opener at Riverfront Stadium, dropping a 7 – 4 decision to the Braves.

Decked out in their bright new uniforms, predominantly orange, the Astros open at home with a 5 – 2 win over the Dodgers. Larry Dierker is the winning pitcher over Bill Singer. Astros outfielders Cesar Gerónimo and Jimmy Wynn make great throws to cut down Dodgers rallies.