Manny Machado threw the postseason's most bittersweet first pitch to Matt Wieters

The Orioles took Game 1 of the ALDS off the Tigers in emphatic fashion, besting Max Scherzer and Co. 12-3 on the back of an early Nelson Cruz home run and an eight-run eighth inning. There was so much offense it almost made O's fans forget that they're without All-Star third baseman Manny Machado and All-Star catcher Matt Wieters.

Almost.

Wieters tore his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery back in June, while Machado similarly underwent surgery to repair a partially torn ligament in his knee late in August.

Both surgeries were successful and both All-Stars are expected to be ready for Orioles Spring Training in 2015. Until then, they're doing their best to their teammates and O's fans pumped for the postseason. 

Prior to Thursday's Game 1 at Orioles Park at Camden Yards, Machado took the field and Wieters assumed his position behind the dish for the most bittersweet ceremonial first pitch of the 2014 O's season. 

Try not to shed too many tears, O's fans. Instead, try focusing on the fact that Ryan Flaherty earned an RBI and scored two runs in place of Machado in Game 1.