Whether it¡¯s a pitcher throwing a perfect game or an immaculate inning, or a batter hitting for the cycle, baseball has no shortage of rare or memorable feats.
On April 17, 2025, Oneil Cruz hit a leadoff home run for the Pirates in what ended up being a 1-0 victory over the Nationals. If a leadoff home run accounting for the only scoring in a 1-0 game sounds rare to you, it most certainly is.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cruz¡¯s homer marked the 31st time in the Modern Era (dating back to 1900) that a leadoff home run accounted for the only run in a 1-0 game. Here are all 31 such instances that have occurred in the National League, American League and the Federal League (1914-15).
Oneil Cruz, Pirates, April 17, 2025
Bottom of the first inning vs. Trevor Williams (WSH) Watch >
Jazz Chisholm Jr., Marlins, May 22, 2024
Bottom of the first inning vs. Freddy Peralta (MIL) Watch >
Gunnar Henderson, Orioles, Sept. 26, 2023
Bottom of the first inning vs. Josiah Gray (WSH) Watch >
Kyle Schwarber, Phillies, June 6, 2023
Bottom of the first inning vs. Tyler Alexander (DET) Watch >
Chad Pinder, Athletics, April 27, 2022
Top of the first inning vs. Sam Long (SF) Watch >
Robbie Grossman, Tigers, July 17, 2021
Bottom of the first inning vs. Charlie Barnes (MIN) Watch >
Nick Markakis, Orioles, Aug. 3, 2014
Bottom of the first inning vs. Hisashi Iwakuma (SEA)
Michael Bourn, Indians, July 27, 2013
Bottom of the first inning vs. Yu Darvish (TEX)
Gerardo Parra, D-backs, May 18, 2013
Top of the first inning vs. Tom Koehler (MIA) Watch >
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, Aug. 14, 2012
Top of the first inning vs. Josh Johnson (MIA)
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, April 23, 2009
Bottom of the first inning vs. James Shields (TB)
Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, May 9, 2007
Bottom of the first inning vs. Tom Gorzelanny (PIT)
Kazuo Matsui, Mets, May 12, 2004
Top of the first inning vs. Randy Johnson (AZ)
Carlos Garcia, Pirates, Sept. 14, 1993
Top of the first inning vs. Chris Hammond (FLA)
Greg Briley, Mariners, June 19, 1992
Top of the first inning vs. Kevin Tapani (MIN)
Darren Lewis, Giants, Aug. 7, 1991
Top of the first inning vs. Charlie Leibrandt (ATL)
Denny Walling, Astros, April 26, 1981
Bottom of the first inning vs. Mario Soto (CIN)
Willie Wilson, Royals, Aug. 25, 1979
Bottom of the first inning vs. Mike Torrez (BOS)
Terry Puhl, Astros, May 20, 1979
Bottom of the first inning vs. Gaylord Perry (SD)
Don Money, Brewers, April 26, 1976
Bottom of the first inning vs. Frank Tanana (CAL)
Wayne Garrett, Mets, Sept. 7, 1973
Top of the first inning vs. Steve Renko (MON)
Bobby Bonds, Giants, April 28, 1973
Top of the first inning vs. Reggie Cleveland (STL)
Johnny Briggs, Phillies, June 12, 1969
Top of the first inning vs. Bill Singer (LAD)
Pete Rose, Reds, Sept. 2, 1963
Top of the first inning vs. Jay Hook (NYM)
Len Koenecke, Dodgers, June 7, 1934
Top of the first inning vs. George Darrow (PHI)
Bobby Reeves, Red Sox, Aug. 17, 1929
Top of the first inning vs. Lefty Stewart (SLB)
Ira Flagstead, Red Sox, May 28, 1929
Top of the first inning vs. Roy Meeker (PHA)
Heinie Groh, Reds, June 17, 1916
Top of the first inning vs. Al Demaree (PHI)
Jim Kelly, Pittsburgh Rebels (Federal League), May 11, 1915
Top of the first inning vs. Fred Anderson (Buffalo)
Harry Hooper, Red Sox, May 30, 1913
Top of the first inning vs. Walter Johnson (WSH)
Harry Lumley, Superbas (Dodgers), April 29, 1906
Bottom of the first inning vs. Bill Duggleby (PHI)