Cubs News: 3 standout performances from Opening Day

One game does not a season make but, boy, it always feels good to go out there and get that first win out of the way on Opening Day. That's exactly what the Chicago Cubs did on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, taking down the division rival Milwaukee Brewers by a 4-0 final.

In a brisk 2 hour and 21 minute contest, David Ross' club took care of business in front of a paid crowd of just north of 36,000 Wrigley faithful. Strong pitching, timely hitting and a big-time performance from the new face of the franchise, Dansby Swanson, all came together perfectly in the season-opening victory.

3 Cubs standout performances from Opening Day: #3 - Dansby Swanson shines in his Wrigley Field debut

After a tough spring where he mustered just a .587 OPS, it was great to see Dansby Swanson come out swinging on Thursday. He alone accounted for half of the Cubs' hits, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run and also teamed up with Nico Hoerner on a nice double play, as well.

For Chicago to make some noise this year, Swanson is going to have to live up to the hype - and his seven-year, $177 million contract, the second-richest deal in franchise history. You know you're going to get elite defense from the veteran no matter what, but he'll need to do exactly what we saw against Milwaukee - do damage with the stick - for the Cubs to take that next step.