[3] Bobby Shantz started their first Opening Day game on April 10, 1962, against the Chicago Cubs at Houston's Colt Stadium and was credited with the win.
[4][5][6] Three different pitchers have each made five Opening Day starts for the Astros: J. R. Richard (1976–1980), Mike Scott (1987–1991) and Shane Reynolds (1996–2000).
Niekro and Don Wilson share the worst record in Opening Day starts with no wins and two losses each.
This makes the record of the Astros' Opening Day starting pitchers in home games 21 wins, 13 losses and ten no decisions (23–21 overall).
[8] In 2022, they set a modern Major League Baseball record by winning on Opening Day for the tenth straight season.